Before all else, be armed.

Quote by Niccolo Machiavelli

Topics: Niccolo Machiavelli Quotes

I consider it a mark of great prudence in a man to abstain from threats...

I consider it a mark of great prudence in a man to abstain from threats...

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

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

Many have imagined republics and principalities which have never been seen or known to exist...

Many have imagined republics and principalities which have never been seen or known to exist...

Tardiness often robs us opportunity, and the dispatch of our forces.

Tardiness often robs us opportunity, and the dispatch of our forces.

There is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more...

There is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more...

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

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

The main foundations of every state, new states as well as ancient or composite ones,...

The main foundations of every state, new states as well as ancient or composite ones,...

Men ought either to be indulged or utterly destroyed, for if you merely offend them...

Men ought either to be indulged or utterly destroyed, for if you merely offend them...

Because just as good morals, if they are to be maintained, have need of the...

Because just as good morals, if they are to be maintained, have need of the...

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

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

Men in general judge more from appearances than from reality. All men have eyes, but...

Men in general judge more from appearances than from reality. All men have eyes, but...

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

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

I shall always esteem it not much to live in a city where the laws...

I shall always esteem it not much to live in a city where the laws...

Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great.

Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great.

The distinction between children and adults, while probably useful for some purposes, is at bottom...

The distinction between children and adults, while probably useful for some purposes, is at bottom...

There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more...

There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more...

The more sand has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should...

The more sand has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should...

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

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

It is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver.

It is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver.

The new ruler must determine all the injuries that he will need to inflict. He...

The new ruler must determine all the injuries that he will need to inflict. He...