Niccolo Machiavelli

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

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it read more

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.

A son can bear with equanimity the loss of his father, but the loss of his inheritance may drive him read more

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

For the great majority of mankind are satisfied with appearance, as though they were realities and are often more influenced read more

For the great majority of mankind are satisfied with appearance, as though they were realities and are often more influenced by the things that seem than by those that are

Since love and fear can hardly coexist together, if we must choose between them, it is far safer to be read more

Since love and fear can hardly coexist together, if we must choose between them, it is far safer to be feared than loved.