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
Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great.
There is nothing more important than appearing to be religious.
...people are by nature fickle, and it is easy to persuade them of something, but difficult to keep them persuaded.
There is no other way to guard yourself against flattery than by making men understand that telling you the truth will not offend you.
He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.
Is it better to be loved or feared?
Never do an enemy a small injury.
Never was anything great achieved without danger.
One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others.
Impetuosity and audacity often achieve what ordinary means fail to achieve.
A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.
Men are so simple of mind, and so much dominated by their immediate needs, that a deceitful man will always find plenty who are ready to be deceived.
Always assume incompetence before looking for conspiracy.
There are three kinds of intelligence: one kind understands things for itself, the other appreciates what others can understand, the third understands neither for itself nor through others. This first kind is excellent, the second good, and the third kind useless.