Before all else, be armed.

Quote by Niccolo Machiavelli

Topics: Niccolo Machiavelli Quotes

Men should be either treated generously or destroyed, because they take revenge for slight injuries...

Men should be either treated generously or destroyed, because they take revenge for slight injuries...

We cannot attribute to fortune or virtue that which is achieved without either.

We cannot attribute to fortune or virtue that which is achieved without either.

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,...

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

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

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

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

A son could bear complacently the death of his father while the loss of his...

A son could bear complacently the death of his father while the loss of his...

The chief foundations of all states... are good laws and good arms. And as there...

The chief foundations of all states... are good laws and good arms. And as there...

Men shrink less from offending one who inspires love than one who inspires fear.

Men shrink less from offending one who inspires love than one who inspires fear.

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.

A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues...

A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues...

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

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

Men sooner forget the death of their father than the loss of their patrimony.

Men sooner forget the death of their father than the loss of their patrimony.

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

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

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...

For among other evils caused by being disarmed, it renders you contemptible; which is one...

For among other evils caused by being disarmed, it renders you contemptible; which is one...

There is no other way of guarding oneself against flattery than by letting men understand...

There is no other way of guarding oneself against flattery than by letting men understand...

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...

A prince must be prudent enough to know how to escape the bad reputation of...

A prince must be prudent enough to know how to escape the bad reputation of...

Reputation is only a candle, of wavering and uncertain flame, and easily blown out, but...

Reputation is only a candle, of wavering and uncertain flame, and easily blown out, but...

Give me back my reputation!

Give me back my reputation!