It is necessary for him who lays out a state and arranges laws for it to presuppose that all men are evil and that they are always going to act according to the wickedness of their spirits whenever they have free scope.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIGod is not willing to do everything, and thus take away our free will and that share of glory which belongs to us.
More Niccolo Machiavelli Quotes
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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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Of mankind we may say in general they are fickle, hypocritical, and greedy of gain.
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War is just when it is necessary; arms are permissible when there is no hope except in arms.
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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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Severities should be dealt out all at once, so that their suddenness may give less offense.
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We cannot attribute to fortune or virtue that which is achieved without either.
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There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt.
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For among other evils caused by being disarmed, it renders you contemptible; which is one of those disgraceful things which a prince must guard against.
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If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.
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The new ruler must determine all the injuries that he will need to inflict. He must inflict them once and for all.
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Hatred is gained as much by good works as by evil.
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One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived.
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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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A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.
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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