Literary Birthday – 3 May – Niccolò Machiavelli

Niccolò Machiavelli was born 3 May 1469 and died 21 June 1527.

Niccolò Machiavelli Quotes

1. The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.
2. Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.
3. There is no other way to guard yourself against flattery than by making men understand that telling you the truth will not offend you.
4. Hatred is gained as much by good works as by evil.
5. Minds are of three kinds: one is capable of thinking for itself; another is able to understand the thinking of others; and a third can neither think for itself nor understand the thinking of others. The first is of the highest excellence, the second is excellent, and the third is worthless.
6. Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great.
7. For whoever believes that great advancement and new benefits make men forget old injuries is mistaken.
8. He who is highly esteemed is not easily conspired against.
9. Therefore the best fortress is to be found in the love of the people, for although you may have fortresses they will not save you if you are hated by the people.
10. It is not titles that honour men, but men that honour titles.

Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli was an Italian Renaissance historian, politician, diplomat, philosopher, humanist, and writer. He is most most widely known for his treatises on realist political theory, The Prince, and republicanism, Discourses on Livy.

Source for image

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Portrait_of_Niccol%C3%B2_Machiavelli.jpg

Santi di Tito, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

by Amanda Patterson

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