It is part of the business of life to be affable and pleasing to those whom either nature, chance or circumstance has made our companions.

In the first place, most princes apply themselves to the arts of war, in which I have neither ability nor interest, instead of to the good arts of peace. They are generally more set on acquiring new kingdoms by hook or by crook than on governing well those that they already have.

It's wrong to deprive someone else of a pleasure so that you can enjoy one yourself, but to deprive yourself of a pleasure so that you can add to someone else's enjoyment is an act of humanity by which you always gain more than you lose.

Take something from yourself, to give to another, that is humane and gentle and never takes away as much comfort as it brings again.

A good tale evil told were better untold, and an evil take well told need none other solicitor.

What is deferred is not avoided.

By reason of gifts and bribes the offices be given to rich men, which should rather have been executed by wise men.