There is no other way of guarding oneself against flattery than by letting men understand that they will not offend you by speaking the truth; but when everyone can tell you the truth, you lose their respect.

Quote by Niccolo Machiavelli

Topics: Truth Quotes

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.

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.

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...

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 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...

A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.

A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.

We cannot attribute to fortune or virtue that which is achieved without either.

We cannot attribute to fortune or virtue that which is achieved without either.

In truth, there never was any remarkable lawgiver amongst any people who did not resort...

In truth, there never was any remarkable lawgiver amongst any people who did not resort...

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...

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...

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

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

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 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...

Many have imagined republics and principalities which have never been seen or known to exist...

Many have imagined republics and principalities which have never been seen or known to exist...

Nature that framed us of four elements, warring within our breasts for regiment, doth teach...

Nature that framed us of four elements, warring within our breasts for regiment, doth teach...

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...

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

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

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...

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.