Niccolo Machiavelli

Your son at five is your master, at ten your slave, at fifteen your double, and after that, your friend read more

Your son at five is your master, at ten your slave, at fifteen your double, and after that, your friend or your foe, depending on his bringing up

When neither their property nor their honor is touched, the majority of men live content.

When neither their property nor their honor is touched, the majority of men live content.

I consider it a mark of great prudence in a man to abstain from threats or any contemptuous expressions, for read more

I consider it a mark of great prudence in a man to abstain from threats or any contemptuous expressions, for neither of these weaken the enemy, but threats make him more cautious, and the other excites his hatred, and a desire to revenge himself

A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.

A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.

Because just as good morals, if they are to be maintained, have need of the laws, so the laws, if read more

Because just as good morals, if they are to be maintained, have need of the laws, so the laws, if they are to be observed, have need of good morals.