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

Quote by Niccolo Machiavelli

Topics: Niccolo Machiavelli Quotes

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...

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.

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...

It is much more secure to be feared than to be loved.

It is much more secure to be feared than to be loved.

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...

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

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

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...

Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack,...

Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack,...

There are three kinds of intelligence: one kind understands things for itself, the other appreciates...

There are three kinds of intelligence: one kind understands things for itself, the other appreciates...

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

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

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...

A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.

A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.

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...

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...

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...

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

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

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...

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...

Who makes quick use of the moment is a genius of prudence.

Who makes quick use of the moment is a genius of prudence.

Hear the words of prudence, give heed unto her counsels, and store them in thine...

Hear the words of prudence, give heed unto her counsels, and store them in thine...