Niccolo Machiavelli Quotes

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Niccolo Machiavelli

Profession : Writer

Birth : May 3, 1469

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

Niccolo Machiavelli

Nature that framed us of four elements, warring within our breasts for regiment, doth teach us all to have aspiring minds.

Niccolo Machiavelli

To understand the nature of the people one must be a prince, and to understand the nature of the prince, one must be of the people.

Niccolo Machiavelli

There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt.

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

Princes and governments are far more dangerous than other elements within society.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times.

Niccolo Machiavelli

There are three kinds of intelligence: one kind understands things for itself, the other appreciates what others can understand, the third understands neither for itself nor through others. This first kind is excellent, the second good, and the third kind useless.

Niccolo Machiavelli

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

Niccolo Machiavelli

War is just when it is necessary; arms are permissible when there is no hope except in arms.

Niccolo Machiavelli

One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others.

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

Politics have no relation to morals.

Niccolo Machiavelli

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

Niccolo Machiavelli

It is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver.

Niccolo Machiavelli

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

Niccolo Machiavelli

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

Niccolo Machiavelli

The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.

Niccolo Machiavelli

The promise given was a necessity of the past: the word broken is a necessity of the present.

Niccolo Machiavelli

One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived.

Niccolo Machiavelli