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

Quote by Niccolo Machiavelli

Topics: Niccolo Machiavelli Quotes

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...

Never was anything great achieved without danger.

Never was anything great achieved without danger.

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...

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...

As the observance of divine institutions is the cause of the greatness of republics, so...

As the observance of divine institutions is the cause of the greatness of republics, so...

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 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...

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 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 one who adapts his policy to the times prospers, and likewise that the one...

The one who adapts his policy to the times prospers, and likewise that the one...

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...

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...

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...

A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.

A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.

Men are so simple and yield so readily to the desires of the moment that...

Men are so simple and yield so readily to the desires of the moment that...

War should be the only study of a prince. He should consider peace only as...

War should be the only study of a prince. He should consider peace only as...

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

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

Before all else, be armed.

Before all else, be armed.

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.

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...