"Therefore a prince, not being able to use this virtue of liberality in such a way that it may be recognized, except to his cost, a wise prince ought not to mind the reputation of being a miser."

"Men are generally so simple and so ready to obey present necessities, that one who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived."

"The vulgar are always taken by appearances and by the outcome of a thing; and in the world there are only the vulgar."

"And it ought to be remembered that there is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order…"

"Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great."