āIs it better to be loved or feared?ā
āA 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.ā
āA wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be against his interests.ā
āResults are often obtained by impetuosity and daring which could never have been obtained by ordinary methods.ā
āA sign of intelligence is an awareness of one's own ignorance.ā
āHe who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.ā
āTo fear the foe, since fear oppresseth strength,Gives, in your weakness, strength unto your foe,And so your follies fight against yourself.Fear, and be slain--so worse can come to fight;And fight and die is death destroying death,Where fearing dying pays death servile breath.ā
āYou must not thinkThat we are made of stuff so fat and dullThat we can let our beard be shook with dangerAnd think it pastime.ā
āDoubt is a thief that often makes us fear to tread where we might have won.ā