511 Quotes by Niccolò Machiavelli

When you disarm your subjects, however, you offend them by showing that either from cowardliness or lack of faith, you distrust them; and either conclusion will induce them to hate you.

Make mistakes of ambition and not mistakes of sloth. Develop the strength to do bold things, not to suffer.

Conquered states that have been accustomed to liberty and the government of their own laws can be held by the conqueror in three different ways. The first is to ruin them; the second, for the conqueror to go and reside there in person; and the third is to allow them to continue to live under their own laws, subject to a regular tribute, and to create in them a government of a few, who will keep the country friendly to the conqueror

When settling disputes between his subjects, he should ensure that his judgement is irrevocable; and he should be so regarded that no one ever dreams of trying to deceive or trick him.

Men walk almost always in the paths trodden by others, proceeding in their actions by imitation.

Fear is secured by a dread of punishment.

Nature creates few men brave, industry and training makes many.

Princes should delegate to others the enactment of unpopular measures and keep in their own hands the means of winning favours.

They have not any difficulties on the way up because they fly, but they have many when they reach the summit.