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.

Innovation makes enemies of all those who prospered under the old regime, and only lukewarm support is forthcoming from those who would prosper under the new.

A leader ought to inspire fear in such a way that, if he does not win love, he avoids hatred.

He who blinded by ambition, raises himself to a position whence he cannot mount higher, must thereafter fall with the greatest loss.

There are many people who feel that it is useless and futile for us to continue talking peace and non-violence - against a government whose only reply is savag…

Now I can go back to being ruthless again.

I am a citizen of the Soviet Union and I think sharp measures need to be taken against anti-Soviet forces that are trying to make their way into the leadership…