The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.
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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Hence it comes about that all armed Prophets have been victorious, and all unarmed Prophets have been destroyed.
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Whoever conquers a free town and does not demolish it commits a great error and may expect to be ruined himself.
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I’m not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it.
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The promise given was a necessity of the past: the word broken is a necessity of the present.
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One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others.
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This first kind is excellent, the second good, and the third kind useless.
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It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles.
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A son can bear with equanimity the loss of his father, but the loss of his inheritance may drive him to despair.
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Nature that framed us of four elements, warring within our breasts for regiment, doth teach us all to have aspiring minds.
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When you disarm the people, you commence to offend them and show that you distrust them either through cowardice or lack of confidence, and both of these opinions generate hatred.
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It is much more secure to be feared than to be loved.
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He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.
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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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Men 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.
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No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it is ripe for execution.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI