"Hence it is to be remarked that, in seizing a state, the usurper ought to arrange to commit all his cruelties at once, so as not to have to repeat them every day, and thus able to secure men without f…"

"A prince who is not himself wise cannot be well advised."

"Nature creates few men brave, industry makes many."

"Thus it happens in affairs of state, that to try to avoid one trouble often leads to another."

"Injuries ought to be done all at one time, so that, being tasted less, they offend less; benefits ought to be given little by little, so that the flavor of them may last longer."