Wisdom consists of knowing how to distinguish the nature of trouble, and in choosing the lesser evil.

It is of the greatest important in this world that a man should know himself, and the measure of his own strength and means; and he who knows that he has not a genius for fighting must learn how to govern by the arts of peace.

A prince must not have any other object nor any other thought… but war, its institutions, and its discipline; because that is the only art befitting one who commands.

… to a Prince who wants to do great things, it is necessary to learn to deceive.

Verträge bricht man um des Nutzens willen.

Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer.