Niccolo Machiavelli

A prince who is free to do as he pleases is unreasonable, and a people that is free to do as it pleases is not wise. If we consider princes restricted by laws and a people bound by laws, we will find greater qualities in the people than in the princes.

Niccolo Machiavelli

A prudent man should always follow in the path trodden by great men and imitate those who are most excellent, so that if he does not attain to their greatness, at any rate he will get some tinge of it.

Niccolo Machiavelli

A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. His good example has such an influence that the good men strive to imitate him, and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example.

Niccolo Machiavelli

A sculptor will more easily extract a beautiful statue from a piece of rough marble than from one that has been badly blocked out by someone else.

Niccolo Machiavelli

A wise man will see to it that his acts always seem voluntary and not done by compulsion, however much he may be compelled by necessity.

Niccolo Machiavelli

A wise prince will seek means by which his subjects will always and in every possible condition of things have need of his government, and then they will always be faithful to him.

Niccolo Machiavelli

A wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be against his interests.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Ability and perseverance are the weapons of weakness.

Niccolo Machiavelli

All the armed prophets conquered; all the unarmed ones perished.

Niccolo Machiavelli

All the States and Governments by which men are or ever have been ruled, have been and are either Republics or Princedoms.

Niccolo Machiavelli