The chief foundations of all states, new as well as old or composite, are good laws and good arms. Niccolo Machiavelli More Quotes by Niccolo Machiavelli More Quotes From Niccolo Machiavelli Power is the pivot on which everything hinges. He who has the power is always right; the weaker is always wrong. Niccolo Machiavelli hingesalways-wrong The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him. Niccolo Machiavelli philosophicalworkmen Women are the most charitable creatures, and the most troublesome. He who shuns women passes up the trouble, but also the benefits. He who puts up with them gains the benefits, but also the trouble. As the saying goes, there's no honey without bees. Niccolo Machiavelli benefitsgainshoney 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. Niccolo Machiavelli trapslionsfoxes Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are. Niccolo Machiavelli marketinginspirationalrelationship A government which does not trust its citizens to be armed is not itself to be trusted. Niccolo Machiavelli citizensgovernmentdoe Men in general judge more from appearances than from reality. All men have eyes, but few have the gift of penetration. Niccolo Machiavelli eyewisdomreality A sign of intelligence is an awareness of one's own ignorance. Niccolo Machiavelli intelligenceawarenessignorance Politics have no relation to morals. Niccolo Machiavelli nerdpoliticspolitical You know better than I that in a Republic talent is always suspect. A man attains an elevated position only when his mediocrity prevents him from being a threat to others. And for this reason a democracy is never governed by the most competent, but rather by those whose insignificance will not jeopardize anyone else's self-esteem. Niccolo Machiavelli democracyself-esteemmen Any man who tries to be good all the time is bound to come to ruin among the great number who are not good. Niccolo Machiavelli numberstryingmen One of the great secrets of the day is to know how to take possession of popular prejudices and passions, in such a way as to introduce a confusion of principles which makes impossible all understanding between those who speak the same language and have the same interests. Niccolo Machiavelli passionconfusionunderstanding I desire to go to Hell and not to Heaven. In the former I shall enjoy the company of popes, kings and princes, while in the latter are only beggars, monks and apostles Niccolo Machiavelli kingsheavendeath How perilous it is to free a people who prefer slavery. Niccolo Machiavelli slaverypeople Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage. Niccolo Machiavelli differenceshumorousopportunity It should be borne in mind that there is nothing more difficult to arrange, more doubtful of success, and more dangerous to carry through than initiating changes. The innovator makes enemies of all those who prospered under the old order, and only lukewarm support is forthcoming from those who would prosper under the new. Their support is lukewarm ... partly because men are generally incredulous, never really trusting new things unless they have tested them by experience. Niccolo Machiavelli changemenorder it is better to act and repent than not to act and regret. Niccolo Machiavelli repentregret If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared. Niccolo Machiavelli revengemenneeds One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived. Niccolo Machiavelli philosophicalliarslying Always assume incompetence before looking for conspiracy. Niccolo Machiavelli incompetenceconspiracyassuming
