"For it must be noted that men ought either to be well treated or crushed, because they can avenge slight injuries, but not severe ones; hence the injury that is to be done to a man ought to be of such…"

"And it is to be noted that in taking a state, the conqueror must arrange to commit all his cruelties at once, so as not to have to repeat them daily, but to be able, by not repeating them, to reassure…"

"A prudent man should always follow in the path of great men and imitate those who have been most excellent, so that if his ability does not equal theirs, at least it will savour of it."

"When a prince has once made a reputation, he can easily overcome any enterprise, even if he has little strength."

"Therefore it is unnecessary for a prince to have all the good qualities I have enumerated, but it is very necessary to appear to have them."