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

• 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.
• There is no avoiding war it can only be postponed to the advantage of others.
• 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.
• War is just when it is necessary arms are permissible when there is no hope except in arms.
• No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it is ripe for execution.
• One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others.
• Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times.
• A wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be against his interests.
• Men shrink less from offending one who inspires love than one who inspires fear.