There is no other way to guard yourself against flattery than by making men understand that telling you the truth will not offend you.

Niccolò Machiavelli

If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.

Niccolò Machiavelli

I'm not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it.

Niccolò Machiavelli

Never was anything great achieved without danger.

Niccolò Machiavelli

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

Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.

Niccolò Machiavelli

The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.

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

Men judge generally more by the eye than by the hand, for everyone can see and few can feel. Every one sees what you appear to be, few really know what you are.

Niccolò Machiavelli

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

Niccolò Machiavelli

Never attempt to win by force what can be won by deception.

Niccolò Machiavelli

A man who is used to acting in one way never changes; he must come to ruin when the times, in changing, no longer are in harmony with his ways.

Niccolò Machiavelli