"It is not possible to provide against every inconvenience; but it is necessary to provide against the most important."

"The innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under the old conditions, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new."

"When a prince has once made a reputation, he can easily overcome any enterprise, even if he has little strength."

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

"Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others."