“ 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 wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be against his interests. ”

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

“ Men should be either treated generously or destroyed, because they take revenge for slight injuries - for heavy ones they cannot. ”

“ 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. ”

“ Princes and governments are far more dangerous than other elements within society. ”

“ Never was anything great achieved without danger. ”

“ It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both. ”