There are three kinds of intelligence: one kind understands things for itself, the other appreciates what others can understand, the third understands neither for itself nor through others. This first kind is excellent, the second good, and the third kind useless.
Niccolo Machiavelli

Politics have no relation to morals.
Niccolo Machiavelli

It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles.
Niccolo Machiavelli

Before all else, be armed.
Niccolo Machiavelli

There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.
Niccolo Machiavelli

A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.
Niccolo Machiavelli

It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.
Niccolo Machiavelli

Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great.
Niccolo Machiavelli