Quotes by Niccolo Machiavelli

“Thus it is well to seem merciful, faithful, humane, sincere, religious, and also to be so; but you must have the mind so disposed that when it is needful to be otherwise you may be able to change t...”

“... one would like to be both [loved and feared], but as it is difficult to combine both love and fear, if one has to choose between them it is far safer to be feared than loved”

“Never attempt to win by force what can be won by deception.”

“... Physicians tell us of hectic fever, that in its beginning it is easy to cure, but hard to recognize; whereas, after a time, not having been detected and treated at the first, it becomes easy to...”

“And you have to understand this, that a prince, especially a new one, cannot observe all those things for which men are esteemed, being often forced, in order to maintain the state, to act contrary...”

“What remains to be done must be done by you; since in order not to deprive us of our free will and such share of glory as belongs to us, God will not do everything himself.”

“[...T]he ways of God have been manifested beyond example: the sea is divided, the cloud has led the way, the rock has poured forth water, it has rained manna, everything has contributed to your gre...”

“... By disarming, you at once give offense, since you show your subjects that you distrust them, either as doubting their courage, or as doubting their fidelity, each of which imputations begets ha...”

“... On the whole, the best fortress you can have, is in not being hated by your subjects. If they hate you no fortress will save you...”

“Benefits should be granted little by little so that they may be better enjoyed.”

“Where the willingness is great the difficulties cannot be great.”

“Only those means of security are good are certain are lasting that depend on yourself and your own vigor.”

“There is no avoiding war it can only be postponed to the advantage of others.”