“ No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it is ripe for execution. ”

“ Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times. ”

“ A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. His good example has such an influence that the good men strive to imitate him, and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example. ”

“ War should be the only study of a prince. He should consider peace only as a breathing-time, which gives him leisure to contrive, and furnishes as ability to execute, military plans. ”

“ Men shrink less from offending one who inspires love than one who inspires fear. ”

“ War is just when it is necessary arms are permissible when there is no hope except in arms. ”

“ There are three kinds of intelligence: one kind understands things for itself, the other appreciates what others can understand, the third understands neither for itself nor through others. This first kind is excellent, the second good, and the third kind useless. ”

“ The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him. ”

“ There is no avoiding war it can only be postponed to the advantage of others. ”

“ Never was anything great achieved without danger. ”