"Wise men say, and not without reason, that whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times."

"The vulgar crowd always is taken by appearances, and the world consists chiefly of the vulgar."

"It is much more secure to be feared than to be loved."

"Any man who tries to be good all the time is bound to come to ruin among the great number of men who are not good."

"Therefore a prince, not being able to use this virtue of liberality in such a way that it may be recognized, except to his cost, a wise prince ought not to mind the reputation of being a miser."