God is not willing to do everything, and thus take away our free will and that share of glory which belongs to us. – Niccolo Machiavelli
War is just when it is necessary arms are permissible when there is no hope except in arms. – Niccolo Machiavelli
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
I consider it a mark of great prudence in a man to abstain from threats or any contemptuous expressions, for neither of these weaken the enemy, but threats make him more cautious, and the other excites his hatred, and a desire to revenge himself. – Niccolo Machiavelli