There is nothing that Nature seems to have inclined us to as much as society.
Every one sees what you appear to be, few really know what you are, and those few dare not oppose themselves to the opinion of the many, who have the majesty of the state to defend them.
There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt.
Men judge generally more by the eye than by the hand, for everyone can see and few can feel. Every one sees what you appear to be, few really know what you are.
The innovator has for enemies all who have done well under the old, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new.
A wise ruler should rely on what is under his own control, not on what is under the control of others.
Nature creates few men brave, industry and training makes many.
And if, to be sure, sometimes you need to conceal a fact with words, do it in such a way that it does not become known, or, if it does become known, that you have a ready and quick defense.
Men are so simple and so much inclined to obey immediate needs that a deceiver will never lack victims for his deceptions.
Princes and governments are far more dangerous than other elements within society.
Among other evils which being unarmed brings you, it causes you to be despised.
Tardiness often robs us opportunity, and the dispatch of our forces.
Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times.
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 of things.
If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.
Men shrink less from offending one who inspires love than one who inspires fear.
A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. His good example has such an influence that the good men strive to imitate him, and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example.
Whoever desires to found a state and give it laws, must start with assuming that all men are bad and ever ready to display their vicious nature, whenever they may find occasion for it.
The main foundations of every state, new states as well as ancient or composite ones, are good laws and good arms you cannot have good laws without good arms, and where there are good arms, good laws inevitably follow.
Of mankind we may say in general they are fickle, hypocritical, and greedy of gain.