511 Quotes by Niccolò Machiavelli

the ends justifies the means

By the delusions of seeming good the people are often misled to desire their own ruin; and they are frequently influenced by great hopes and brave promises.

The unarmed man is not just defenseless - he is also contemptible.

Make no small plans for they have no power to stir the soul.

A prince is also esteemed when he is a true friend and a true enemy.

A prince need trouble little about conspiracies when the people are well disposed, but when they are hostile and hold him in hatred, then he must fear everything and everybody.

Men generally decide upon a middle course, which is most hazardous, for they know neither how to be entirely good nor entirely bad.

the wise man should always follow the roads that have been trodden by the great, and imitate those who have most excelled, so that if he cannot reach their perfection, he may at least acquire something of its savour.

One should never fall in the belief that you can find someone to pick you up.