Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIMen rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLINo enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it is ripe for execution.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIA son can bear with equanimity the loss of his father, but the loss of his inheritance may drive him to despair.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIThe first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLITardiness often robs us opportunity, and the dispatch of our forces.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIThere is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIMen are so simple and yield so readily to the desires of the moment that he who will trick will always find another who will suffer to be tricked.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIA wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be against his interests.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIThis first kind is excellent, the second good, and the third kind useless.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLISo that the injury done to a man ought to be such that vengeance cannot be feared.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIIt is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIGod is not willing to do everything, and thus take away our free will and that share of glory which belongs to us.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIThe new ruler must determine all the injuries that he will need to inflict. He must inflict them once and for all.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIIt is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLINever was anything great achieved without danger.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIOne change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI