It should be noted that hatred is acquired as much by good works as by bad ones, therefore, as I said before, a prince wishing to keep his state is very often forced to do evil.
~ Niccolò Machiavelli

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In judging policies we should consider the results that have been achieved through them rather than the means by which they have been executed.
~ Niccolò Machiavelli

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To know how to recognize an opportunity in war, and take it, benefits you more than anything else.
~ Niccolò Machiavelli

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There are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehend; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, and the third is useless.
~ Niccolò Machiavelli

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He who believes that new benefits will cause great personages to forget old injuries is deceived.
~ Niccolò Machiavelli

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A prince who is not wise himself cannot be wisely counseled.
~ Niccolò Machiavelli

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There is no other way of guarding oneself against flattery than by letting men understand that they will not offend you by speaking the truth; but when everyone can tell you the truth, you lose their respect.
~ Niccolò Machiavelli

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A man who wishes to act entirely up to his professions of virtue soon meets with what destroys him among so much that is evil.
~ Niccolò Machiavelli

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It is not titles that make men illustrious, but men who make titles illustrious.
~ Niccolò Machiavelli

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A prince ought to have two fears, one from within, on account of his subjects, the other from without, on account of external powers. From the latter he is defended by being well armed and having good allies, and if he is well armed he will have good friends, and affairs will always remain quiet within when they are quiet without, unless they should have been already disturbed by conspiracy; and even should affairs outside be disturbed, if he has carried out his preparations and has lived as I have said, as long as he does not despair, he will resist every attack.
~ Niccolò Machiavelli

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