Niccolo Machiavelli

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

Niccolo Machiavelli

It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Men judge generally more by the eye than by the hand, for everyone can see and few can feel. Every one sees what you appear to be, few really know what you are.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Men never do good unless necessity drives them to it; but when they are free to choose and can do just as they please, confusion and disorder become everywhere rampant.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Never attempt to win by force what can be won by deception.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Since love and fear can hardly exist together, if we must choose between them, it is far safer to be feared than loved.

Niccolo Machiavelli

So far as he is able, a prince should stick to the path of good but, if the necessity arises, he should know how to follow evil.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Wisdom consists in being able to distinguish among dangers and make a choice of the least harmful.

Niccolo Machiavelli

A battle that you win cancels all your mistakes.

Niccolo Machiavelli

A man who wishes to profess at all times will come to ruin among so many who are not good.

Niccolo Machiavelli