The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIThe first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIHe who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIWar is just when it is necessary; arms are permissible when there is no hope except in arms.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIWar 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 MACHIAVELLIIt is much more secure to be feared than to be loved.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLISeverities should be dealt out all at once, so that their suddenness may give less offense.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLISince it is difficult to join them together, it is safer to be feared than to be loved when one of the two must be lacking.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIThe new ruler must determine all the injuries that he will need to inflict. He must inflict them once and for all.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIOne change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIWhoever conquers a free town and does not demolish it commits a great error and may expect to be ruined himself.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIBenefits should be conferred gradually; and in that way they will taste better.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLINever was anything great achieved without danger.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLII’m not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIThis first kind is excellent, the second good, and the third kind useless.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIWhere the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIThere is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI