"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…"

"The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws."

"For where the fear of God is wanting, it is inevitable that the kingdom will come to ruin, or that it will be sustained by the fear of a prince, which will supply the want of religion."

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

"It is necessary to be a fox to discover snares and a lion to terrify wolves."