We cannot attribute to fortune or virtue that which is achieved without either.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLIBefore all else, be armed.
More Niccolo Machiavelli Quotes
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One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others.
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Of mankind we may say in general they are fickle, hypocritical, and greedy of gain.
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Benefits should be conferred gradually; and in that way they will taste better.
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A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.
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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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Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great.
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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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But when they lack the ability to do so and yet want to acquire more at all costs, they deserve condemnation for their mistakes.
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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.
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It is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver.
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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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Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others.
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Severities should be dealt out all at once, so that their suddenness may give less offense.
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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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The distinction between children and adults, while probably useful for some purposes, is at bottom a specious one, I feel. There are only individual egos, crazy for love.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI