Men are so thoughtless that they’ll opt for a food that tastes good without realizing that there’s a hidden poison in it. –Niccolò Machiavelli Follow @oxhorn

Rome and Sparta stood for many centuries armed and free. The Swiss are extremely well armed and completely free. –Niccolò Machiavelli Circa 15^th Century Follow @oxhorn

It’s human nature to tie yourself to a leader as much for the services you’ve done him as the good he’s done you. –Niccolò Machiavelli Follow @oxhorn

Get the violence over with as soon as possible; that way there’ll be less time for people to taste its bitterness and they’ll be less hostile. Favors, on the other hand, should be given out slowly, one by one, so…

Cruelty well used…is both short-​lived and decisive, no more than is necessary to secure your position and then stop; you don’t go on being cruel but use the power it has given you to deliver maximum benefits to your subjects.…

Methods like [terrible crime] may bring you power, but not glory. –Niccolò Machiavelli Follow @oxhorn

It’s easy to convince people of something, but hard to keep them convinced. –Niccolò Machiavelli Follow @oxhorn