"The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him."

"A prince must have no other object, no other thought, nor take anything else for his art, but war and its orders and discipline."

"War is just when it is necessary; arms are permissible when there is no hope except in arms."

"One change always leaves the way open for the introduction of another."

"It is necessary for him who lays out a state and arranges laws for it to presuppose that all men are bad, and that they will use their malignity of mind whenever they have a free opportunity to do so."