Niccolo Machiavelli

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

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

I consider it a mark of great prudence in a man to abstain from threats or any contemptuous expressions, for read more

I consider it a mark of great prudence in a man to abstain from threats or any contemptuous expressions, for neither of these weaken the enemy, but threats make him more cautious, and the other excites his hatred, and a desire to revenge himself

A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.

A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.

Your son at five is your master, at ten your slave, at fifteen your double, and after that, your friend read more

Your son at five is your master, at ten your slave, at fifteen your double, and after that, your friend or your foe, depending on his bringing up

each candidate behaved well in the hope of being judged worthy of election. However, this system was disastrous when the read more

each candidate behaved well in the hope of being judged worthy of election. However, this system was disastrous when the city had become corrupt. For then it was not the most virtuous but the most powerful who stood for election, and the weak, even if virtuous, were too frightened to run for office.