Niccolo Machiavelli Quotes & Sayings (Page 2)

“When you disarm the people, you commence to offend them and show that you distrust them either through cowardice or lack of confidence, and both of these opinions generate hatred.”

“A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. His good example has such an influence that the good men strive to imitate him, and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example.”

“There is no avoiding war; it can only be postponed to the advantage of others.”

“The more sand has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should see through it.”

“I'm not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it.”

“The fact is that a man who wants to act virtuously in every way necessarily comes to grief among so many who are not virtuous.”

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

“God is not willing to do everything, and thus take away our free will and that share of glory which belongs to us.”

“The wish to acquire more is admittedly a very natural and common thing; and when men succeed in this they are always praised rather than condemned. But when they lack the ability to do so and yet want to acquire more at all costs, they deserve condemnation for their mistakes.”

“Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times.”