"The injury that is to be done to a man must be such that one need not fear his revenge."

"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."

"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."

"There are three kinds of intellect: one which comprehends by itself; another that discerns what another comprehends; and a third which comprehends neither by itself nor by the showing of another."

"There is no other way to guard yourself against flattery than by making men understand that telling you the truth will not offend you."