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.

Quote by Niccolo Machiavelli

Topics: Niccolo Machiavelli Quotes

Of mankind we may say in general they are fickle, hypocritical, and greedy of gain.

Of mankind we may say in general they are fickle, hypocritical, and greedy of gain.

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...

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.

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

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

Nature that framed us of four elements, warring within our breasts for regiment, doth teach...

Nature that framed us of four elements, warring within our breasts for regiment, doth teach...

Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity...

Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity...

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,...

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

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

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

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

The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the...

The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the...

When you disarm your subjects you offend them by showing that either from cowardliness or...

When you disarm your subjects you offend them by showing that either from cowardliness or...

If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe...

If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe...

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...

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...

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...

The wish to acquire more is admittedly a very natural and common thing; and when...

The wish to acquire more is admittedly a very natural and common thing; and when...

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

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

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...

Severities should be dealt out all at once, so that their suddenness may give less...

Severities should be dealt out all at once, so that their suddenness may give less...

It is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver.

It is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver.