"The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him." - Niccolo Machiavelli

There is nothing as likely to succeed as what the enemy believes you cannot attempt.

“Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.” — Niccolò Machiavelli

"A sign of intelligence is an awareness of one's own ignorance." - Niccolo Machiavelli

All courses of action are risky, so prudence is not in avoiding danger (it's impossible), but calculating risk and acting decisively. Make mistakes of ambition and not mistakes of sloth. Develop the strength to do bold things, not the strength to suffer.

One of the great secrets of the day is to know how to take possession of popular prejudices and passions, in such a way as to introduce a confusion of principles which makes impossible all understanding between those who speak the same language and have the same interests.

I hold strongly to this: that it is better to be impetuous than circumspect; because fortune is a woman and if she is to be submissive it is necessary to beat and coerce her.

LAW 21

A battle that you win cancels all your mistakes.

The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.

I desire to go to Hell and not to Heaven. In the former I shall enjoy the company of popes, kings and princes, while in the latter are only beggars, monks and apostles.