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

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

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

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...

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 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...

It is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver.

It is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver.

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...

Men are so simple and so much inclined to obey immediate needs that a deceiver...

Men are so simple and so much inclined to obey immediate needs that a deceiver...

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...

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...

When you disarm your subjects you offend them by showing that either from cowardliness or...

When you disarm your subjects you offend them by showing that either from cowardliness or...

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...

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

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

It is necessary for him who lays out a state and arranges laws for it...

It is necessary for him who lays out a state and arranges laws for it...

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

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

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

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

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...

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.

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

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

Princes and governments are far more dangerous than other elements within society.

Princes and governments are far more dangerous than other elements within society.

For among other evils caused by being disarmed, it renders you contemptible; which is one...

For among other evils caused by being disarmed, it renders you contemptible; which is one...