He who has once begun to live by rapine always finds reasons for taking what is not his.

Therefore the best fortress is to be found in the love of the people, for although you may have fortresses they will not save you if you are hated by the people.

Since it is difficult to join them together, it is safer to be feared than to be loved when one of the two must be lacking.

You must know, then, that there are two methods of fighting, the one by law, the other by force: the first method is that of men, the second of beasts; but as the first method is often insufficient, one must have recourse to the second.

Nothing is of greater importance in time of war than in knowing how to make the best use of a fair opportunity when it is offered.

Necessities can be many, but the one that is stronger is that which constrains you to win or to die.

The new ruler must determine all the injuries that he will need to inflict. He must inflict them once and for all.