Niccolo Machiavelli

each candidate behaved well in the hope of being judged worthy of election. However, this system was disastrous when the read more

each candidate behaved well in the hope of being judged worthy of election. However, this system was disastrous when the city had become corrupt. For then it was not the most virtuous but the most powerful who stood for election, and the weak, even if virtuous, were too frightened to run for office.

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

A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.

A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.

Benefits should be conferred gradually; and in that way they will taste better.

Benefits should be conferred gradually; and in that way they will taste better.

Hatred is gained as much by good works as by evil.

Hatred is gained as much by good works as by evil.