Men intrinsically do not trust new things that they have not experienced themselves.

He who causes another to become powerful ruins himself, for he brings such a power into being either by design or by force, and both of these elements are suspects to the one whom he has made powerful.

God creates men, but they choose each other.

Hence it comes that all armed prophets have been victorious, and all unarmed prophets have been destroyed.

For he who innovates will have for his enemies all those who are well off under the existing order of things, and only lukewarm supporters in those who might be better off under the new.

Occasionally words must serve to veil the facts. But let this happen in such a way that no one become aware of it; or, if it should be noticed, excuses must be at hand to be produced immediately.

But when you disarm them, you at once offend them by showing that you distrust them, either for cowardice or for want of loyalty, and either of these opinions breeds hatred against you.

And yet we cannot define as skillful killing one's fellow citizens, betraying one's friends, and showing no loyalty, mercy, or moral obligation. These means can lead to power, but not glory.

He who is highly esteemed is not easily conspired against;

All the States and Governments by which men are or ever have been ruled, have been and are either Republics or Princedoms.

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

For, besides what has been said, it should be borne in mind that the temper of the multitude is fickle, and that while it is easy to persuade them of a thing, it is hard to fix them in that persuasion

The fact is that a man who wants to act virtuous in every way necessarily comes to grief among so many who are not virtuous.

One must be a fox in order to recognize traps, and a lion to frighten off wolves. Those who simply act like lions are stupid.

For, in truth, there is no sure way of holding other than by destroying

It's better to be feared than loved if you cannot be both.

A prince is also esteemed when he is a true friend and a true enemy.

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

...the incredulity of mankind, who do not truly believe in anything new until they have had actual experience of it.

Men are so simple and so much inclined to obey immediate needs that a deceiver will never lack victims for his deceptions.

The best fortress which a prince can possess is the affection of his people.

Is it better to be loved or feared?

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.

Men sooner forget the death of their father than the loss of their patrimony