Niccolo Machiavelli

He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.

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

Whoever conquers a free town and does not demolish it commits a great error and may expect to be ruined himself.

God knows we are subtle creatures who are more than able to use candour to avoid acknowledging our deceptions of others and ourselves.

Everyone is born sincere and die deceivers.

There is no doubt that, as a society, we have become blase about the importance of marriage as a stabilising influence and less inclined to prize it as a worthwhile institution.