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Niccolo Machiavelli Quotes

Biography: Niccolo Machiavelli is known for his political treatise "The Prince." ... more Biography: Niccolo Machiavelli is known for his political treatise "The Prince." Born in Florence in 1469, he was a diplomat, philosopher, and writer during the Renaissance. His works often focus on political theory, realpolitik, and the effective use of power, making him a seminal figure in political science. less

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

Tags: Philosophy, Wisdom, Life, Perspective, Reflection

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

Tags: Perception, Identity, Authenticity, Truth, Reality

"The promise given was a necessity of the past; the word broken is a necessity of the present"

Tags: Relationships, Change, Truth, Trust, Commitment

"He who becomes a Prince through the favor of the people should always keep on good terms with them"

Tags: Relationships, Leadership, Power, Politics, Authority

"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"

Tags: Courage, Innovation, Leadership, Change, Ambition

"Men rise from one ambition to another, first they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others"

Tags: Human nature, Ambition, Power, Human behavior, Conflict

"A prudent man should always follow in the path trodden by great men and imitate those who are most excellent"

Tags: Inspiration, Wisdom, Success, Leadership, Guidance

"One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others."

Tags: Growth, Change, Transformation, Progress, Adaptability

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

Tags: Wisdom, Perception, Human nature, Reality, Insight

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

Tags: Strategy, History, Conflict, Politics, War

"It is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver."

Tags: Irony, Deception, Pleasure, Karma, Revenge

"He who wishes to deceive will never fail to find willing dupes."

Tags: Human nature, Psychology, Ethics, Society, Trust

"The main foundations of every state, new states as well as ancient or composite ones, are good laws and good arms"

Tags: Government, Governance, Political philosophy, Military, Political theory

"The vulgar crowd always is taken by appearances, and the world consists chiefly of the vulgar"

Tags: Philosophy, Perception, Human nature, Society, Human behavior

"The prince must consider, as has been in part said before, how to avoid such scandal and hatred as would cost him the affection of the people"

Tags: Leadership, Governance, Public perception, Political strategy, Public relations