Men are of three different capacities: one understands intuitively; another understands so far as it is explained; and a third understands neither… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
God and nature have thrown all human fortunes into the midst of mankind; and they are thus attainable rather by rapine than… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
Men should be either treated generously or destroyed, because they take revenge for slight injuries - for heavy ones they cannot. — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
There is simply no comparison between a man who is armed and one who is not. It is simply unreasonable to expect… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others. — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
Men never do good unless necessity drives them to it; but when they are free to choose and can do just as… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. His good example has… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
Men walk almost always in the paths trodden by others, proceeding in their actions by imitation. — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
Men are so simple and so much inclined to obey immediate needs that a deceiver will never lack victims for his deceptions. — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
How laudable it is for a prince to keep good faith and live with integrity, and not with astuteness, every one knows.… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
When fortune wishes to bring mighty events to a successful conclusion, she selects some man of spirit and ability who knows how… — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him. — Niccolo Machiavelli Copy Share Image
it is much safer to be feared than loved because ...love is preserved by the link of obligation which, owing to the… — 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
