Niccolo di Bernardo Machiavelli was an Italian historian, political thinker, diplomat, author and philosopher who lived from 1469 to 1527. He is regarded as the greatest political thinker in history. As a matter of fact, Machiavelli is often credited for laying the foundations of modern political theory and the word ‘Machiavellian’ is often used to describe an individual who might not be averse to using any means necessary in order to get to the end that he has envisioned. He was a government official in Florence and also served the Second Chancery of the Florentine Republic for 14 years, which laid the foundations of his political convictions. His political thoughts were assimilated in his most famous work titled ‘The Prince’ in which he laid down the ways in which the king is supposed to operate in warfare, politics and diplomacy. ‘The Prince’ remains a must read book to this day and is often regarded as the go to book for budding diplomats. In addition to that, Machiavelli was also a poet, historian and music composer during his rather eventful life. However, it was as a political thinker that he is most renowned. Many of his words have become popular quotes over time. The below collection of Niccolo Machiavelli’s most famous quotes have been excerpted from his writings, papers and thoughts. Here are some of the best quotes from Niccolo Machiavelli’s work and life that would certainly appeal to everyone.
The lion cannot protect himself from traps, and the fox cannot defend himself from wolves. One must therefore be a fox to recognize traps, and a lion to frighten wolves.
Niccolò Machiavelli
There is no other way to guard yourself against flattery than by making men understand that telling you the truth will not offend you.
It is not titles that honour men, but men that honour titles.
Niccolò Machiavelli
How we live is so different from how we ought to live that he who studies what ought to be done rather than what is done will learn the way to his downfall rather than to his preservation.
There is nothing more important than appearing to be religious.
Niccolò Machiavelli
A prudent man should always follow in the path trodden by great men and imitate those who are most excellent, so that if he does not attain to their greatness, at any rate he will get some tinge of it.
The promise given was a necessity of the past: the word broken is a necessity of the present.
Niccolò Machiavelli
Of mankind we may say in general they are fickle, hypocritical, and greedy of gain.
Niccolò Machiavelli
He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command
Niccolò Machiavelli
It must be considered that there is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things.
Niccolò Machiavelli
Half of these aren't even Machiavelli.
Some are Plato, Thucydides etc....doesnt anyone check these?
Niccolò Machiavelli
There is no avoiding war, it can only be postponed to the advantage of your enemy.
