There are three classes of intellects one which comprehends by itself another which appreciates what others comprehend and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others the first is the most excellent, the second is good, and the third is useless.

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

hinges always-wrong

The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.

Niccolo Machiavelli

philosophical work men

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

benefits gains honey

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

traps lions foxes

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

Niccolo Machiavelli

marketing inspirational relationship

A government which does not trust its citizens to be armed is not itself to be trusted.

Niccolo Machiavelli

citizens government doe

Men in general judge more from appearances than from reality. All men have eyes, but few have the gift of penetration.

Niccolo Machiavelli

eye wisdom reality

A sign of intelligence is an awareness of one's own ignorance.

Niccolo Machiavelli

intelligence awareness ignorance

Politics have no relation to morals.

Niccolo Machiavelli

nerd politics political

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

democracy self-esteem men

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

numbers trying men

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

passion confusion understanding

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

kings heaven death

How perilous it is to free a people who prefer slavery.

Niccolo Machiavelli

slavery people

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

differences humorous opportunity

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

change men order

it is better to act and repent than not to act and regret.

Niccolo Machiavelli

repent regret

If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.

Niccolo Machiavelli

revenge men needs

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

Niccolo Machiavelli

philosophical liars lying

Always assume incompetence before looking for conspiracy.

Niccolo Machiavelli

incompetence conspiracy assuming