511 Quotes by Niccolò Machiavelli

Hatred is gained as much by good works as by evil.

As all those have shown who have discussed civil institutions, and as every history is full of examples, it is necessary to whoever arranges to found a Republic and establish laws in it, to presuppose that all men are bad and that they will use their malignity of mind every time they have the opportunity.

For a long time I have not said what I believed, nor do I ever believe what I say, and if indeed sometimes I do happen to tell the truth, I hide it among so many lies that it is hard to find.

Men are so stupid and concerned with their present needs, they will always let themselves be deceived.

The promise given was a necessity of the past: the word broken is a necessity of the present.

Sometimes it has been of great moment while the fight is going on, to disseminate words that pronounce the enemies' captain to be dead, or to have been conquered by another part of the army. Many times this has given victory to him who used it.

God creates men, but they choose each other.

War is just when it is necessary; arms are permissible when there is no hope except in arms.

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