... From want of foresight men make changes which relishing well at first do not betray their hidden venom, as I have already observed respecting hectic fever. Nevertheless, the ruler is not truly wise who cannot discern evils before they develop themselves, and this is a faculty given to few.

... I believe that he will prosper most whose mode of acting best adapts itself to the character of the times; and conversely that he will be unprosperous, with whose mode of acting the times do not accord.

The one who adapts his policy to the times prospers, and likewise that the one whose policy clashes with the demands of the times does not.

No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it is ripe for execution.

The new ruler must determine all the injuries that he will need to inflict. He must inflict them once and for all.