Machiavelli

Famous quotes containing the word 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.
    —Niccolò Machiavelli (1469–1527)

    It should be noted that when he seizes a state the new ruler ought to determine all the injuries that he will need to inflict. He should inflict them once and for all, and not have to renew them every day.
    —Niccolò Machiavelli (1469–1527)

    States that rise quickly, just as all the other things of nature that are born and grow rapidly, cannot have roots and ramifications; the first bad weather kills them.
    —Niccolò Machiavelli (1469–1527)