A wise prince then...should never be idle in times of peace but should industriously lay up stores of which to avail himself in times of adversity so that when fortune abandons him he may be prepared to resist her blows.

There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt.

Any harm you do to a man should be done in such a way that you need not fear his revenge.

One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived.

One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others.

For as good habits of the people require good laws to support them, so laws, to be observed, need good habits on the part of the people.

....for friendships that are acquired by a price and not by greatness and nobility of character are purchased but are not owned, and at the proper moment they cannot be spent.