War should be the only study of a prince. He should consider peace only as a breathing-time, which gives him leisure to contrive, and furnishes as ability to execute, military plans. Niccolo Machiavelli abilitybreathecontrive Change image and share on social
The promise given was a necessity of the past: the word broken is a necessity of the present. Niccolo Machiavelli breaknecessitypast Change image and share on social
It is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver. Niccolo Machiavelli deceivedeceiverdouble Change image and share on social
The fact is that a man who wants to act virtuously in every way necessarily comes to grief among so many who are not virtuous. Niccolo Machiavelli actfactgrief Change image and share on social
One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived. Niccolo Machiavelli deceivefind Change image and share on social
It is necessary for him who lays out a state and arranges laws for it to presuppose that all men are evil and that they are always going to act according to the wickedness of their spirits whenever they have free scope. Niccolo Machiavelli actarrangeevil share on social
The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him. Niccolo Machiavelli estimateintelligenceman Change image and share on social
Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others. Niccolo Machiavelli ambitionattackman Change image and share on social
Princes and governments are far more dangerous than other elements within society. Niccolo Machiavelli dangerouselementgovernment Change image and share on social
War is just when it is necessary; arms are permissible when there is no hope except in arms. Niccolo Machiavelli armhopepermissible Change image and share on social
