"No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it is ripe for execution."
Niccolo MachiavelliTiny Panda Quotes
Quotes by Niccolo Machiavelli
Niccolò Machiavelli, born on May 3, 1469, in Florence, Italy, was a Renaissance political philosopher, diplomat, and historian, renowned for his pragmatic approach to power and statecraft. His most famous work, "The Prince," published in 1532, offers candid insights into political manipulation and the often harsh realities of governance. Despite its controversial reputation, Machiavelli's ideas have profoundly influenced political theory and practice, cementing his legacy as the father of modern political science. His writings remain a critical reference for understanding the complexities of human behavior and authority.
17 quotes found
"A wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be against his interests."
Niccolo Machiavelli
"There are three kinds of intelligence: one kind understands things for itself, the other appreciates what others can understand, the third understands neither for itself nor through others. This first kind is excellent, the second good, and the third kind useless."
Niccolo Machiavelli"The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him."
Niccolo Machiavelli
"Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others."
Niccolo Machiavelli"Men shrink less from offending one who inspires love than one who inspires fear."
Niccolo Machiavelli"Men ought either to be indulged or utterly destroyed, for if you merely offend them they take vengeance, but if you injure them greatly they are unable to retaliate, so that the injury done to a man ought to be such that vengeance cannot be feared."
Niccolo Machiavelli
"Princes and governments are far more dangerous than other elements within society."
Niccolo Machiavelli
"There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things."
Niccolo Machiavelli
"There is no avoiding war; it can only be postponed to the advantage of others."
Niccolo Machiavelli