....nothing is so unhealthy or unstable as the reputation for power that is not based on one's own power.

Well used are those cruelties (if it is permitted to speak well of evil) that are carried out in a single stroke, done out of necessity to protect oneself, and are not continued but are instead converted into the greatest possible benefits for the subjects. Badly used are those cruelties which. although being few at the outset, grow with the passing time instead of disappearing. Those who follow the first method can remedy their condition with God and with men; the others cannot possibly survive.

People should either be caressed or crushed. If you do them minor damage they will get their revenge; but if you cripple them there is nothing they can do. If you need to injure someone, do it in such a way that you do not have to fear their vengeance.

Nothing feeds upon itself as liberality does.

To know in war how to recognize an opportunity and seize it is better than anything else.

Tardiness often robs us opportunity, and the dispatch of our forces.

War brings out thieves and peace hangs them.