Niccolo Machiavelli

Then also pretexts for seizing property are never wanting, and one who begins to live by rapine will always find some reason for taking the goods of others, whereas causes for taking life are rarer and more quickly destroyed.

Niccolo Machiavelli

There are many who think a wise prince ought, when he has the chance, to foment astutely some enmity, so that by suppressing it he will augment his greatness.

Niccolo Machiavelli

There are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehend; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, and the third is useless.

Niccolo Machiavelli

There is no other way of guarding against adulation, than to make people understand that they will not offend you by speaking the truth. On the other hand, when everyone feels at liberty to tell you the truth, they will be apt to be lacking in respect to you.

Niccolo Machiavelli

There is no other way to guard yourself against flattery than by making men understand that telling you the truth will not offend you.

Niccolo Machiavelli

There is nothing as likely to succeed as what the enemy believes you cannot attempt.

Niccolo Machiavelli

There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.

Niccolo Machiavelli

There is nothing more important than appearing to be religious.

Niccolo Machiavelli

There is nothing so difficult or so dangerous as to undertake to change the order of things.

Niccolo Machiavelli

There should be many judges, for few will always do the will of few.

Niccolo Machiavelli