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One should never allow chaos to develop in order to avoid going to war, because one does not avoid a war but instead puts it off to his disadvantage

Niccolo Machiavelli

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Niccolo Machiavelli
Age: 58 †
Born: 1469
Born: May 3
Died: 1527
Died: June 22
Diplomat
Historian
Military Theorist
Philosopher
Playwright
Poet
Political Theorist
Politician
Translator
Writer
Florence
Tuscany
Nicolo Machiavelli
Niccolo Machiavelli
Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli
Nicolò Machiavelli
N. Machiavelli
Niccolo di Bernardo dei Machiavelli
Machiavelli
Instead
Disadvantage
War
Disadvantages
Order
Memorial
Doe
Puts
Going
Chaos
Never
Avoid
Develop
Allow

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There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt.
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Any harm you do to a man should be done in such a way that you need not fear his revenge.
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The world has always been the same and there is always as much good fortune as bad in it.
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Therefore, in order not to have to rob his subjects, to be able to defend himself, not to become poor and contemptible, and not to be forced to become rapacious, a prince must consider it of little importance if he incurs the name of miser, for this is one of the vices that permits him to rule.
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For, in truth, there is no sure way of holding other than by destroying
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I say that every prince must desire to be considered merciful and not cruel. He must, however, take care not to misuse this mercifulness.
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One should never fall in the belief that you can find someone to pick you up.
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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.
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When men receive favours from someone they expected to do them ill, they are under a greater obligation to their benefactor.
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Is it better to be loved or feared?
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The best fortress which a prince can possess is the affection of his people.
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Men never do good unless necessity drives them to it but when they are free to choose and can do just as they please, confusion and disorder become rampant.
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Thus it happens in matters of state for knowing afar off (which it is only given a prudent man to do) the evils that are brewing, they are easily cured. But when, for want of such knowledge, they are allowed to grow so that everyone can recognize them, there is no longer any remedy to be found.
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I believe that it is possible for one to praise, without concern, any man after he is dead since every reason and supervision for adulation is lacking.
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The chief foundations of all states, new as well as old or composite, are good laws and good arms.
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He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.
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For government consists in nothing else but so controlling subjects that they shall neither be able to, nor have cause to do [it] harm.
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Princes should delegate to others the enactment of unpopular measures and keep in their own hands the means of winning favours.
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Every little advantage is of great moment when men have to come to blows.
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One man should not be afraid of improving his posessions, lest they be taken away from him, or another deterred by high taxes from starting a new business. Rather, the Prince should be ready to reward men who want to do these things and those who endeavour in any way to increase the prosperity of their city or their state.
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