Niccolo Machiavelli
Niccolo Machiavelli
Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelliwas an Italian Renaissance historian, politician, diplomat, philosopher, humanist, and writer. He has often been called the founder of modern political science. He was for many years a senior official in the Florentine Republic, with responsibilities in diplomatic and military affairs. He also wrote comedies, carnival songs, and poetry. His personal correspondence is renowned in the Italian language. He was secretary to the Second Chancery of the Republic of Florence from 1498 to 1512, when...
NationalityItalian
ProfessionPhilosopher
Date of Birth3 May 1469
CityFlorence, Italy
CountryItaly
Princes should delegate to others the enactment of unpopular measures and keep in their own hands the means of winning favours.
It may be observed, that provinces amid the vicissitudes to which they are subject, pass from order into confusion, and afterward recur to a state of order again; for the nature of mundane affairs not allowing them to continue in an even course, when they have arrived at their greatest perfection, they soon begin to decline.
The sinews of war are not gold, but good soldiers.
Good order and discipline in any army are to be depended upon more than courage alone.
One man should not be afraid of improving his posessions, lest they be taken away from him, or another deterred by high taxes from starting a new business. Rather, the Prince should be ready to reward men who want to do these things and those who endeavour in any way to increase the prosperity of their city or their state.
The vulgar crowd always is taken by appearances, and the world consists chiefly of the vulgar.
A prince is also esteemed when he is a true friend and a true enemy.
One should never fall in the belief that you can find someone to pick you up.
The best fortress which a prince can possess is the affection of his people.
He who builds on the people, builds on the mud
Never attempt to win by force what can be won by deception.
Wisdom consists of knowing how to distinguish the nature of trouble, and in choosing the lesser evil.
Forgiveness proceeds from a generous soul.
The reformer has enemies in all who profit by the old order, and only lukewarm defenders in all those who would profit by the new order.