A prudent man... must behave like those archers who, if they are skillful, when the target seems too distant, know the capabilities… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
When settling disputes between his subjects, he should ensure that his judgement is irrevocable; and he should be so regarded that no… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
As all those have shown who have discussed civil institutions, and as every history is full of examples, it is necessary to… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
I say that every prince must desire to be considered merciful and not cruel. He must, however, take care not to misuse… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
Violence must be inflicted once for all; people will then forget what it tastes like and so be less resentful. Benefits must… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
It is much better to tempt fortune where it can favor you than to see your certain ruin by not tempting it. — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
And the prince who has relied solely on their words, without making other preparations, is ruined, for the friendship which is gained… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
A prince, therefore, must not mind incurring the charge of cruelty for the purpose of keeping his subjects united and confident; for,… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
The greatest remedy that is used against a plan of the enemy is to do voluntarily what he plans that you do… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
The nature of man is such that people consider themselves put under an obligation as much by the benefits they confer as… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
Knowing how to fight made men more bold, because no one fears doing what it seems to him he has learned to… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
Never lead your soldiers to battle if you have not first confirmed their spirit and known them to be without fear and… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
When they remain in garrison, soldiers are maintained with fear and punishment; when they are then led to war, with hope and… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
All who contribute to the overthrow of religion, or to the ruin of kingdoms and commonwealths, all who are foes to letters… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
A prince ought to have no other aim or thought, nor select anything else for his study, than war and its rules… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
Without doubt, ferocious and disordered men are much weaker than timid and ordered ones. For order chases fear from men and disorder… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
And above all you ought to guard against leading an army to fight which is afraid or which is not confident of… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
Every little advantage is of great moment when men have to come to blows. — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
In the armies and among every ten men there is one of more life, of more heart, or at least of more… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
We must distinguish between those who depend on others, that is between those who to achieve their purposes can force the issue… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
I am firmly convinced, therefore, that to set up a republic which is to last a long time, the way to set… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
The reason is that nature has so created men that they are able to desire everything but are not able to attain… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
Sometimes it has been of great moment while the fight is going on, to disseminate words that pronounce the enemies' captain to… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
A prince ought to have two fears, one from within, on account of his subjects, the other from without, on account of… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
Men generally decide upon a middle course, which is most hazardous, for they know neither how to be entirely good nor entirely bad. — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
Because there are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehend; and a third which neither comprehends… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
It is the duty of a man of honor to teach others the good which he has not been able to do himself because… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
“Anyone who believes that new benefits make men of high station forget old injuries deceives himself.” — Niccolò Machiavelli Copy Share Image
He who has once begun to live by rapine always finds reasons for taking what is not his. — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
Everyone who wants to know what will happen ought to examine what has happened: everything in this world in any epoch has their replicas… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
Speaking generally, men are ungrateful, fickle, hypocritical, fearful odanger and covetous ogain. — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
There is nothing as likely to succeed as what the enemy believes you cannot attempt. — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
For the great majority of mankind are satisfied with appearance, as though they were realities and are often more influenced by the things that… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
That prince is highly esteemed who conveys this impression of himself, and he who is highly esteemed is not easily conspired against; for, provided… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
“Anyone who studies present and ancient affairs will easily see how in all cities and all peoples there still exist, and have always existed,… — Niccolò Machiavelli Copy Share Image
I believe that it is possible for one to praise, without concern, any man after he is dead since every reason and supervision for… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
