A wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be against his interests.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIHis good example has such an influence that the good men strive to imitate him, and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example.
More Niccolo Machiavelli Quotes
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This first kind is excellent, the second good, and the third kind useless.
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The wish to acquire more is admittedly a very natural and common thing; and when men succeed in this they are always praised rather than condemned.
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The fact is that a man who wants to act virtuously in every way necessarily comes to grief among so many who are not virtuous.
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Princes and governments are far more dangerous than other elements within society.
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A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man.
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Of mankind we may say in general they are fickle, hypocritical, and greedy of gain.
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Since 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.
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It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles.
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His good example has such an influence that the good men strive to imitate him, and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example.
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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.
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He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.
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Benefits should be conferred gradually; and in that way they will taste better.
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No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it is ripe for execution.
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There are three kinds of intelligence: one kind understands things for itself, the other appreciates what others can understand, the third understands neither for itself nor through others.
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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






