511 Quotes by Niccolò Machiavelli

For he who innovates will have for his enemies all those who are well off under the existing order of things, and only lukewarm supporters in those who might be better off under the new.

One should never risk one's whole fortune unless supported by one's entire forces.

The forces of adversaries are more diminished by the loss of those who flee than of those who are killed.

Therefore, a prudent ruler ought not to keep faith when by so doing it would be against his interest, and when the reasons which made him bind himself no longer exist. If men were all good, this precept would not be a good one; but as they are bad, and would not observe their faith with you, so you are not bound to keep faith with them.

Decide which is the line of conduct that presents the fewest drawbacks and then follow it out as being the best one, because one never finds anything perfectly pure and unmixed, or exempt from danger.

To ensure victory the troops must have confidence in themselves as well as in their commanders.

Any man who tries to be good all the time is bound to come to ruin among the great number who are not good.

A wise prince will seek means by which his subjects will always and in every possible condition of things have need of his government, and then they will always be faithful to him.

The innovator has for enemies all who have done well under the old, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new.