If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIIf an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIHatred is gained as much by good works as by evil.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIBefore all else, be armed.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLII’m not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIA prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIMen rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIFor among other evils caused by being disarmed, it renders you contemptible; which is one of those disgraceful things which a prince must guard against.
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 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.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIThere is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIThe new ruler must determine all the injuries that he will need to inflict. He must inflict them once and for all.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIPolitics have no relation to morals.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIA return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man.
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.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIA wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be against his interests.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIBut when they lack the ability to do so and yet want to acquire more at all costs, they deserve condemnation for their mistakes.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI