"The people, when they are not restrained by fear, are always ready to commit every kind of excess."

"A prince, therefore, must not mind incurring the charge of cruelty for the purpose of keeping his subjects united and loyal; for, with a very few examples, he will be more merciful than those who, fro…"

"Whence it may be noted that in taking a state the conqueror must arrange to commit all injuries at once and follow them up every day, so that by not repeating them he may be able to assure men and win…"

"There is no avoiding war; it can only be postponed to the advantage of others."

"To conquer, one must have the spirit of a lion and the cunning of a fox."