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

"There are three kinds of intellects: one understands things by itself, the other discerns what others understand, and the third understands neither by itself nor through others. The first is excellent…"

"For there is no other way of guarding oneself from flatterers than by letting men understand that to tell you the truth will not offend you."

"For it must be noted that men ought either to be well treated or crushed, because they can avenge slight injuries, but not severe ones; hence the injury that is to be done to a man ought to be of such…"

"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 surer way of holding an acquired state than by ruining it."