Many have imagined republics and principalities which have never been seen or known to exist in reality; for how we live is so far removed from how we ought to live, that he who abandons what is done for what…

Quote by Niccolo Machiavelli

Topics: Imagination Quotes, Living Quotes, Reality Quotes

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...

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...

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.

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.

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...

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 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...

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...

Before all else, be armed.

Before all else, be armed.

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

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

Men are so simple and so much inclined to obey immediate needs that a deceiver...

Men are so simple and so much inclined to obey immediate needs that a deceiver...

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

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

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 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...

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,...

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.

For the great majority of mankind are satisfied with appearance, as though they were realities...

For the great majority of mankind are satisfied with appearance, as though they were realities...

In truth, there never was any remarkable lawgiver amongst any people who did not resort...

In truth, there never was any remarkable lawgiver amongst any people who did not resort...

He who is firmly seated in authority soon learns to think security, and not progress,...

He who is firmly seated in authority soon learns to think security, and not progress,...

The problem is authority. But these Vatican officials seem unable to understand authority except as...

The problem is authority. But these Vatican officials seem unable to understand authority except as...

Necessity makes laws, but does not obey them

Necessity makes laws, but does not obey them

The man who speaks the truth is always at ease

The man who speaks the truth is always at ease