Is it better to have liberty more than security, or security more than liberty?

The answer is that one ought to have both liberty and security, but as it is difficult for the two to go together it is much safer to be free than secure, if one of the two has to be wanting. For it may be said of men in general that they are ungrateful, voluble, dissemblers, anxious to avoid danger, and covetous of gain ; as long as you benefit them, they provide your protection; they offer you their blood, their goods and their life, when the necessity is remote; but when it approaches, they revert to their natural stance. And the prince who has relied solely on their words, without making other preparations, is ruined, for the friendship which is gained by purchase and not through grandeur and nobility of spirit is merited but is not truly secure, and at times is not to be had. And men have less scruple in offending one who makes himself secure than one who makes himself free; for security is held by a chain of obligation which, men being selfish, is broken whenever it serves their purpose; but liberty is maintained by a dread of punishment which never fails.