Men shrink less from offending one who inspires love than one who inspires fear.

- Niccolo Machiavelli

A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. His good example has such an influence that the good men strive to imitate him, and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example.

- Niccolo Machiavelli

Of mankind we may say in general they are fickle, hypocritical, and greedy of gain.

- Niccolo Machiavelli

War should be the only study of a prince. He should consider peace only as a breathing-time, which gives him leisure to contrive, and furnishes as ability to execute, military plans.

- Niccolo Machiavelli

The new ruler must determine all the injuries that he will need to inflict. He must inflict them once and for all.

- Niccolo Machiavelli

A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.

- Niccolo Machiavelli

Nature that framed us of four elements, warring within our breasts for regiment, doth teach us all to have aspiring minds.

- Niccolo Machiavelli

Before all else, be armed.

- Niccolo Machiavelli

Men are so simple and so much inclined to obey immediate needs that a deceiver will never lack victims for his deceptions.

- Niccolo Machiavelli

It is much more secure to be feared than to be loved.

- Niccolo Machiavelli

One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others.

- Niccolo Machiavelli

A son can bear with equanimity the loss of his father, but the loss of his inheritance may drive him to despair.

- Niccolo Machiavelli

For among other evils caused by being disarmed, it renders you contemptible; which is one of those disgraceful things which a prince must guard against.

- Niccolo Machiavelli

Whoever conquers a free town and does not demolish it commits a great error and may expect to be ruined himself.

- Niccolo Machiavelli

Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times.

- Niccolo Machiavelli

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

- Niccolo Machiavelli

The wish to acquire more is admittedly a very natural and common thing; and when men succeed in this they are always praised rather than condemned. But when they lack the ability to do so and yet want to acquire more at all costs, they deserve condemnation for their mistakes.

- Niccolo Machiavelli

It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles.

- Niccolo Machiavelli

It is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver.

- Niccolo Machiavelli

There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt.

- Niccolo Machiavelli