196 quotes found
“Wisdom consists of knowing how to distinguish the nature of trouble, and in choosing the lesser evil.”
“Therefore a wise prince ought to adopt such a course that his citizens will always in every sort and kind of circumstance have need of the state and of him, and then he will always find them faithful.”
“Men in general are as much affected by what a thing appears to be as by what it is, indeed they are frequently influenced more by appearances than by reality.”
“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 a...”
“A prudent man will always try to follow in the footsteps of great men and imitate those who have been truly outstanding, so that, if he is not quite as skillful as they, at least some of their abil...”
“It is not titles that honour men, but men that honour titles.”
“Men are driven by two principal impulses, either by love or by fear.”
“CHAPTER VIConcerning New Principalities Which Are Acquired By One's Own Arms And AbilityLET no one be surprised if, in speaking of entirely new principalities as I shall do, I adduce the highest ex...”
“..it happens in all human affairs that we never seek to escape one mischief without falling into another. Prudence therefore consists in knowing how to distinguish degrees of disadvantage, and in a...”
“A prince need take little account of conspiracies if the people are disposed in his favor.”
“If they lacked the opportunity, the strength of their sprit would have been sapped; if they had lacked ability, the opportunity would have been wasted.”
“... When Princes devote themselves rather to pleasure than to arms, they lose their dominions.”
“... War is the sole art looked for in one who rules...”
“And what physicians say about consumptive illnesses is applicable here: that at the beginning, such an illness is easy to cure but difficult to diagnose; but as time passes, not having been recogni...”
“For this can be said of men in general: that they are ungrateful, fickle, hypocrites and dissemblers, avoiders of dangers, greedy for gain; and while you benefit them, they are entirely yours, offe...”
“People should either be caressed or crushed. If you do them minor damage they will get their revenge; but if you cripple them there is nothing they can do. If you need to injure someone, do it in s...”
“Never do an enemy a small injury.”
“Florence which included diplomatic missions to various European courts.”
“at Florence which included diplomatic missions to various European courts. Imprisoned”
“It is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver.”
