Nature that framed us of four elements, warring within our breasts for regiment, doth teach us all to have aspiring minds.

Quote by Niccolo Machiavelli

Topics: Nature Quotes

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...

No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it...

No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it...

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...

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 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...

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 wise man does at once what the fool does finally.

The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.

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

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

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

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

One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived.

One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived.

A wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be...

A wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be...

A prince must be prudent enough to know how to escape the bad reputation of...

A prince must be prudent enough to know how to escape the bad reputation of...

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.

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.

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...

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.

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,...

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.

Before all else, be armed.

Before all else, be armed.

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...