Experience has always shown, and reason also, that affairs which depend on many seldom succeed. Francesco Guicciardini More Quotes by Francesco Guicciardini More Quotes From Francesco Guicciardini How much luckier than all the rest of mankind are the astrologers who, if they tell one truth among a hundred lies, obtain so much credit that even their lies are believed. Francesco Guicciardini superstitionscreditlying As it is our nature to be more moved by hope than fear, the example of one we see abundantly rewarded cheers and encourages us far more than the sight of many who have not been well treated disquiets us. Francesco Guicciardini role-modelscheersight Let no one trust so entirely to natural prudence as to persuade himself that it will suffice to guide him without help from experience. Francesco Guicciardini guidesnaturalhelping Like other men, I have sought honours and preferment, and often have obtained them beyond my wishes or hopes. Yet never have I found in them that content which I had figured beforehand in my mind. A strong reason, if we well consider it, why we should disencumber ourselves of vain desires. Francesco Guicciardini strongmindmen It is a great matter to be in authority over others; for authority, if it be rightly used, will make you feared beyond your actual resources. Francesco Guicciardini usedauthoritymatter To relinquish a present good through apprehension of a future evil is in most instances unwise ... from a fear which may afterwards turn out groundless, you lost the good that lay within your grasp. Francesco Guicciardini futureevilmay I know no man who feels deeper disgust than I do at the ambition, avarice, and profligacy of the priesthood, as well because every one of these vices is odious in itself, as because each of them separately and all of them together are utterly abhorrent in men making profession of a life dedicated to God. Francesco Guicciardini ambitiontogethermen He is less likely to be mistaken who looks forward to a change in the affairs of the world than he who regards them as firm and stable. Francesco Guicciardini changelooksworld Few revolutions succeed, and when they do, you often discover they did not gain what you hoped for, and you condemn yourself to perpetual fear, as the parties you defeated may always regain power and work for your ruin. Francesco Guicciardini youpowerfearwork One who imitates what is bad always goes beyond his model; while one who imitates what is good always comes up short of it. Francesco Guicciardini shortbadgoodalways
