Ought Quotes by Niccolo Machiavelli

A wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be against his interests.

— Niccolo Machiavelli

Men ought either to be well treated, or crushed.

— Niccolo Machiavelli

It is much safer for the prince to be feared than loved, but he ought to avoid making himself hated.

— Niccolo Machiavelli

He who neglects what is done for what ought to be done, sooner effects his ruin than his preservation.

— Niccolo Machiavelli

A prince ought to have two fears, one from within, on account of his subjects, the other from without, on account of…

— Niccolo Machiavelli

Severities should be dealt out all at once, so that their suddenness may give less offense; benefits ought to be handed ought…

— Niccolo Machiavelli

Delusion gives you more happiness than truth gives to me. For injuries ought to be done all at one time, so that,…

— Niccolo Machiavelli

And above all you ought to guard against leading an army to fight which is afraid or which is not confident of…

— Niccolo Machiavelli

Men ought either to be indulged or utterly destroyed, for if you merely offend them they take vengeance, but if you injure…

— Niccolo Machiavelli

Therefore, a prudent ruler ought not to keep faith when by so doing it would be against his interest, and when the…

— Niccolo Machiavelli

A wise man ought always to follow the paths beaten by great men, and to imitate those who have been supreme, so…

— Niccolo Machiavelli

The reply is, that one ought to be both feared and loved, but as it is difficult for the two to go…

— Niccolo Machiavelli