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

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...

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

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

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...

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...

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

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

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...

Because just as good morals, if they are to be maintained, have need of the...

Because just as good morals, if they are to be maintained, have need of the...

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

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

A son can bear with equanimity the loss of his father, but the loss of...

A son can bear with equanimity the loss of his father, but the loss of...

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

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

Since it is difficult to join them together, it is safer to be feared than...

Since it is difficult to join them together, it is safer to be feared than...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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

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

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...

The richest people in the world look for and build networks. Everyone else looks for...

The richest people in the world look for and build networks. Everyone else looks for...

Most successes are unhappy. That's why they are successes - they have to reassure themselves...

Most successes are unhappy. That's why they are successes - they have to reassure themselves...