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

Quote by Niccolo Machiavelli

Topics: Niccolo Machiavelli Quotes

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...

One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others.

One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others.

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...

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 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...

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

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

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...

It is necessary for him who lays out a state and arranges laws for it...

It is necessary for him who lays out a state and arranges laws for it...

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

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

Politics have no relation to morals.

Politics have no relation to morals.

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

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

Hence it comes about that all armed Prophets have been victorious, and all unarmed Prophets...

Hence it comes about that all armed Prophets have been victorious, and all unarmed Prophets...

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...

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.

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 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...

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...

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...

A man has no religion who has not slowly and painfully gathered one together, adding...

A man has no religion who has not slowly and painfully gathered one together, adding...

The most difficult thing in the world is to start a career known only for...

The most difficult thing in the world is to start a career known only for...