Italian – Writer May 3, 1469 – June 21, 1527
It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both. – Niccolo Machiavelli
Politics have no relation to morals. Niccolo Machiavelli
It is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver. Niccolo Machiavelli
He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command. Niccolo Machiavelli
There is no avoiding war; it can only be postponed to the advantage of others. Niccolo Machiavelli
The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him. Niccolo Machiavelli
I’m not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it. Niccolo Machiavelli
Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great. – Niccolo Machiavelli
Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others. Niccolo Machiavelli
For among other evils caused by being disarmed, it renders you contemptible; which is one of those disgraceful things which a prince must guard against. Niccolo Machiavelli
A son can bear with equanimity the loss of his father, but the loss of his inheritance may drive him to despair. Niccolo Machiavelli
Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times. – Niccolo Machiavelli
One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others. Niccolo Machiavelli
No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it is ripe for execution. Niccolo Machiavelli
The one who adapts his policy to the times prospers, and likewise that the one whose policy clashes with the demands of the times does not. Niccolo Machiavelli
It is much more secure to be feared than to be loved. – Niccolo Machiavelli
A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise. Niccolo Machiavelli
A wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be against his interests. Niccolo Machiavelli
We cannot attribute to fortune or virtue that which is achieved without either. Niccolo Machiavelli
Princes and governments are far more dangerous than other elements within society. – Niccolo Machiavelli
If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared. Niccolo Machiavelli
It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles. Niccolo Machiavelli
Never was anything great achieved without danger. Niccolo Machiavelli
Men should be either treated generously or destroyed, because they take revenge for slight injuries – for heavy ones they cannot. Niccolo Machiavelli
The wise man does at once what the fool does finally. – Niccolo Machiavelli
The more sand has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should see through it. Niccolo Machiavelli
Before all else, be armed. Niccolo Machiavelli