War should be the only study of a prince. He should consider peace only as a breathing-time, which gives him leisure to contrive, and furnishes as ability to execute, military plans. Niccolo Machiavelli on war
War is just when it is necessary arms are permissible when there is no hope except in arms. Niccolo Machiavelli on war
Ambition is so powerful a passion in the human breast, that however high we reach we are never satisfied. Niccolo Machiavelli on ambition
It must be remembered that there is nothing more difficult to plan, more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to manage, than the creation of a new system. For the initiator has the enmity of all who would profit by the preservation of the old institutions and merely lukewarm defenders in those who would gain by the new ones. Niccolo Machiavelli on change
A new system is a hard thing to put into place, it is opposed by those that would be disadvantaged by the new system and it receives no support from those that would benefit. Niccolo Machiavelli on change
There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the leadin the introduction of a new order to things. Niccolo Machiavelli on change
One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived. Niccolo Machiavelli on deceit
A son can bear with equanimity the loss of his father, but the loss of his inheritance may drive him to despair. Niccolo Machiavelli on inheritance