Severities should be dealt out all at once, so that their suddenness may give less offense; benefits ought to be handed ought drop by drop, so that they may be relished the more.

Quote by Niccolo Machiavelli

Topics: Niccolo Machiavelli 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...

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

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

Politics have no relation to morals.

Politics have no relation to morals.

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 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...

The more sand has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should...

The more sand has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should...

God is not willing to do everything, and thus take away our free will and...

God is not willing to do everything, and thus take away our free will and...

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...

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,...

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

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

It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles.

It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles.

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 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...

Men ought either to be indulged or utterly destroyed, for if you merely offend them...

Men ought either to be indulged or utterly destroyed, for if you merely offend them...

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...

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.

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.

Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great.

Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great.

To understand the nature of the people one must be a prince, and to understand...

To understand the nature of the people one must be a prince, and to understand...