Niccolo Machiavelli

For, although one may be very strong in armed forces, yet in entering a province one has always need of the goodwill of the natives.

Niccolo Machiavelli

For, besides what has been said, it should be borne in mind that the temper of the multitude is fickle, and that while it is easy to persuade them of a thing, it is hard to fix them in that persuasion

Niccolo Machiavelli

God and nature have thrown all human fortunes into the midst of mankind; and they are thus attainable rather by rapine than by industry, by wicked actions rather than by good. Hence it is that men feed upon each other, and those who cannot defend themselves must be worried.

Niccolo Machiavelli

God is not willing to do everything, and thus take away our free will and that share of glory which belongs to us.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Gold will not always get you good soldiers, but good soldiers can get you gold.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Good order and discipline in any army are to be depended upon more than courage alone.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Hatred is gained as much by good works as by evil.

Niccolo Machiavelli

He listened to their opinions, stated his own, and supported them with reasons; and from his being constantly occupied with such meditations, it resulted, that when in command no complication could ever present itself with which he was not prepared to deal.

Niccolo Machiavelli

He said that it always struck him with surprise that while men in buying an earthen or glass vase would sound it first to learn if it were good, yet in choosing a wife they were content with only looking at her.

Niccolo Machiavelli

He was not a scholar, and he did not have the temperament of one who finds knowledge an end in itself.

Niccolo Machiavelli