To understand the nature of the people one must be a prince, and to understand the nature of the prince, one must be of the people

He who becomes a Prince through the favour of the people should always keep on good terms with them; which it is easy for him to do, since all they ask is not to be oppressed

In respect to foresight and firmness, the people are more prudent, more stable, and have better judgement than princes.

Therefore the best fortress is to be found in the love of the people, for although you may have fortresses they will not save you if you are hated by the people.

By the delusions of seeming good the people are often misled to desire their own ruin; and they are frequently influenced by great hopes and brave promises.

He who builds on the people, builds on the mud

You have to be a prince to understand the people, and you have to belong to the people to understand the princes...

How perilous it is to free a people who prefer slavery.