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

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...

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 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 distinction between children and adults, while probably useful for some purposes, is at bottom...

The distinction between children and adults, while probably useful for some purposes, is at bottom...

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...

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

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

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.

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.

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...

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...

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...

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.

Men should be either treated generously or destroyed, because they take revenge for slight injuries...

Men should be either treated generously or destroyed, because they take revenge for slight injuries...

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...

It is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver.

It is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver.

Whoever conquers a free town and does not demolish it commits a great error and...

Whoever conquers a free town and does not demolish it commits a great error and...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...