"A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. His good example has such an influence that the good ...












Is it better to be loved or feared?
More Niccolò Machiavelli quotes
"..it happens in all human affairs that we never seek to escape one mischief without falling into another. Prudence therefore consists in knowing how t...
"Because there are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehend; and a third which ne...
"A prudent man should always follow in the path trodden by great men and imitate those who are most excellent, so that if he does not attain to their g...
"The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.
"A prince must not have any other object nor any other thought… but war, its institutions, and its discipline; because that is the only art befitting o...
"Men ought either to be well treated or crushed, because they can avenge themselves of lighter injuries, of more serious ones they cannot; therefore th...
"Injuries, therefore, should be inflicted all at once, that their ill savour being less lasting may the less offend; whereas, benefits should be confer...