Princes and governments are far more dangerous than other elements within society.
Niccolò MachiavelliOf mankind we may say in general they are fickle, hypocritical, and greedy of gain.
Niccolò MachiavelliNature creates few men brave, industry and training makes many.
Niccolò Machiavellifor men do easily part with their prince upon hopes of bettering their condition, and that hope provokes them to rebel; but most commonly they are mistaken, and experience tells them their condition is much worse.
Niccolò MachiavelliTags: war revolution-movements
And you have to understand this, that a prince, especially a new one, cannot observe all those things for which men are esteemed, being often forced, in order to maintain the state, to act contrary to faith, friendship, humanity, and religion. “ The Prince, XVIII, 5
Niccolò MachiavelliTags: morals duty modern-stateman
A prince is also esteemed when he shows himself a true friend or a true enemy, that is, when, without reservation, he takes his stand with one side or the other. This is always wiser than trying to be neutral, for if two powerful neighbors of yours fall out they are either of such sort that the victor may give you reason to fear him or they are not. In either case it will be better for you to take sides and wage an honest war.
Niccolò MachiavelliWisdom consists of knowing how to distinguish the nature of trouble, and in choosing the lesser evil.
Niccolò MachiavelliTags: power justification wisdom-in-war
Men are so self-complacent in their own affairs, and so willing to deceive themselves, that they are rescued with difficulty from this pest. If they wish to defend themselves they run the risk of becoming contemptible.
Niccolò MachiavelliWhen everyone feels free to tell you the truth, respect for you dwindles… A wise prince should take another course: choose wise men for your advisors, and allow only them the liberty of speaking the truth to the prince, and only on matters about which you ask, and nothing else. But you should question them about everything, listen patiently to their opinions, then form your own conclusions later.
Niccolò MachiavelliTags: choosing-advisors
All the States and Governments by which men are or ever have been ruled, have been and are either Republics or Princedoms.
Niccolò Machiavelli« first previous
Page 16 of 24.
next last »
Data privacy
Imprint
Contact
Diese Website verwendet Cookies, um Ihnen die bestmögliche Funktionalität bieten zu können.