Niccolo Machiavelli

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

Niccolo Machiavelli

How does one use power to do good, when wielding power requires one to do evil?

Niccolo Machiavelli

I say that every prince must desire to be considered merciful and not cruel. He must, however, take care not to misuse this mercifulness.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Impetuosity and audacity often achieve what ordinary means fail to achieve.

Niccolo Machiavelli

It is a foolish prince who entrusts the safety of his lands to hired men.

Niccolo Machiavelli

It is better to be adventurous than cautious, because fortune is a woman.

Niccolo Machiavelli

It must be considered that there is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Knowing how to fight made men more bold, because no one fears doing what it seems to him he has learned to do. Therefore, the ancients wanted their citizens to be trained in every warlike action.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Make mistakes of ambition and not mistakes of sloth. Develop the strength to do bold things, not the strength to suffer.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Men are either to be kindly treated, or utterly crushed, since they can revenge lighter injuries, but not graver. Wherefore the injury we do to a man should be of a sort to leave no fear of reprisals.

Niccolo Machiavelli