A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.
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 son can bear with equanimity the loss of his father, but the loss of his inheritance may drive him to despair.
Niccolo Machiavelli

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

Before all else, be armed.
Niccolo Machiavelli

Benefits should be conferred gradually; and in that way they will taste better.
Niccolo Machiavelli

Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage.
Niccolo Machiavelli

For among other evils caused by being disarmed, it renders you contemptible; which is one of those disgraceful things which a prince must guard against.
Niccolo Machiavelli

God is not willing to do everything, and thus take away our free will and that share of glory which belongs to us.
Niccolo Machiavelli

Hatred is gained as much by good works as by evil.
Niccolo Machiavelli


He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.
Niccolo Machiavelli

Hence it comes about that all armed Prophets have been victorious, and all unarmed Prophets have been destroyed.
Niccolo Machiavelli

I'm not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it.
Niccolo Machiavelli

If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.
Niccolo Machiavelli

It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.
Niccolo Machiavelli

It is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver.
Niccolo Machiavelli

It is much more secure to be feared than to be loved.
Niccolo Machiavelli

It is necessary for him who lays out a state and arranges laws for it to presuppose that all men are evil and that they are always going to act according to the wickedness of their spirits whenever they have free scope.
Niccolo Machiavelli

It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles.
Niccolo Machiavelli

Men are so simple and so much inclined to obey immediate needs that a deceiver will never lack victims for his deceptions.
Niccolo Machiavelli