In the same manner, having been reduced by disorder, and sunk to their utmost state of depression, unable to descend lower, they, of necessity, reascend; and thus from good they gradually decline to evil, and from evil again return to good. The reason is, that valor produces peace; peace, repose; repose, disorder; disorder, ruin; so from disorder order springs; from order virtue, and from this, glory and good fortune.
Niccolo MachiavelliMen in general judge more from appearances than from reality. All men have eyes, but few have the gift of penetration.
Niccolo MachiavelliAny harm you do to a man should be done in such a way that you need not fear his revenge.
Niccolo MachiavelliTherefore it is unnecessary for a prince to have all the good qualities I have enumerated, but it is very necessary to appear to have them.
Niccolo Machiavelli