Niccolo Machiavelli

Men will not look at things as they really are, but as they wish them to be – and are ruined

Niccolo Machiavelli

Minds are of three kinds: one is capable of thinking for itself; another is able to understand the thinking of others; and a third can neither think for itself nor understand the thinking of others. The first is of the highest excellence, the second is excellent, and the third is worthless.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Moreover, no one feels grateful to anyone for those benefits of freedom that all share in common, at least so long as they enjoy them.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Necessities can be many, but the one that is stronger is that which constrains you to win or to die.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Never lead your soldiers to battle if you have not first confirmed their spirit and known them to be without fear and ordered; and never test them except when you see that they hope to win.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Nevertheless, that our freewill may not be altogether extinguished, I think it may be true that fortune is the ruler of half our actions, but that she allows the other half or a little less to be governed by us.

Niccolo Machiavelli

No one should therefore fear that he cannot accomplish what others have accomplished, for, men are born, live, and die in quite the same way they always have.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Nothing consumes itself so much as generosity, because while you practise it you’re losing the wherewithal to go on practising it.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Nothing is of greater importance in time of war than in knowing how to make the best use of a fair opportunity when it is offered.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Occasionally words must serve to veil the facts. But let this happen in such a way that no one become aware of it; or, if it should be noticed, excuses must be at hand to be produced immediately.

Niccolo Machiavelli