The new ruler must determine all the injuries that he will need to inflict. He must inflict them once and for all.

Quote by Niccolo Machiavelli

Topics: Niccolo Machiavelli Quotes

Politics have no relation to morals.

Politics have no relation to morals.

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...

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...

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...

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...

Severities should be dealt out all at once, so that their suddenness may give less...

Severities should be dealt out all at once, so that their suddenness may give less...

Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity...

Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity...

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...

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...

Before all else, be armed.

Before all else, be armed.

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.

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...

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.

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 sooner forget the death of their father than the loss of their patrimony.

Men sooner forget the death of their father than the loss of their patrimony.

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...

The chief foundations of all states... are good laws and good arms. And as there...

The chief foundations of all states... are good laws and good arms. And as there...

Concepts of justice must have hands and feet or they remain sterile abstractions. The hands...

Concepts of justice must have hands and feet or they remain sterile abstractions. The hands...

He reminds me of the man who murdered both his parents, and then when sentence...

He reminds me of the man who murdered both his parents, and then when sentence...

Bad laws are the worst sort of tyranny.

Bad laws are the worst sort of tyranny.