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 better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.

It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.

I'm not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it.

I'm not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it.

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...

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...

Each candidate behaved well in the hope of being judged worthy of election. However, this...

Each candidate behaved well in the hope of being judged worthy of election. However, this...

When you disarm the people, you commence to offend them and show that you distrust...

When you disarm the people, you commence to offend them and show that you distrust...

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...

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

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

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...

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...

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.

There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more...

There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more...

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...

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...

Hence it comes about that all armed Prophets have been victorious, and all unarmed Prophets...

Hence it comes about that all armed Prophets have been victorious, and all unarmed Prophets...

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...

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,...

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...

The imagination of a boy is healthy, and the mature imagination of a man is...

The imagination of a boy is healthy, and the mature imagination of a man is...

It takes a long time to become young.

It takes a long time to become young.

We only live once, but once is enough if we do it right. Live your...

We only live once, but once is enough if we do it right. Live your...

Some guys will cheat on their girlfriends and sleep like a baby at night but...

Some guys will cheat on their girlfriends and sleep like a baby at night but...