Il Principe/Principele

“The best fortress which exists is to be not hated by the people.”

Living in a castle doesn't mean you are safe. If the people actually hate you, those walls become a cage pretty fast.

“So long as their property and their honour are not touched, the majority of men live content.”

Stability usually comes from keeping things the same. People only get restless when you start changing their old habits and taxes.

“Injuries ought to be done all at one time, so that, being tasted less, they offend less.”

Cruelty can be efficient if it happens all at once. Dragging out the pain just makes everyone resent you for longer.

“A prince should guard himself, above all things, against being despised and hated.”

Generosity is a trap for leaders. Spending your own money runs you dry, and spending your subjects' money makes them hate you.