Machiavelli Quotes

Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are. — Niccolò Machiavelli

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.— Niccolò Machiavelli

There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.— Niccolò Machiavelli

The Ends Justifies The Means— Niccolò Machiavelli

The offenses one does to a man should be such that one does not fear revenge for it.— Niccolò Machiavelli

A prince must imitate the fox and the lion, for the lion cannot protect himself from traps, and the fox cannot defend himself from wolves. One must therefore be a fox to recognize traps, and a lion to frighten wolves. Those that wish to be only lions do not understand this. Therefore, a prudent ruler ought not to keep faith when by so doing it would be against his interest, and when the reasons which made him bind himself no longer exist. If men were all good, this precept would not be a good one; but as they are bad, and would not observe their faith with you, so you are not bound to keep faith with them.— Niccolò Machiavelli

Hence it comes about that all armed Prophets have been victorious, and all unarmed Prophets have been destroyed.— Niccolò Machiavelli

A wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be against his interests.— Niccolò Machiavelli

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

One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived. – Niccolo Machiavelli

The More Sand Has Escaped from the Hourglass of Our Life, the Clearer We Should See Through It.– Niccolo Machiavelli

There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.– Niccolo Machiavelli