And if, to be sure, sometimes you need to conceal a fact with words, do it in such a way that it does not become known, or, if it does become known, that you have a ready and quick defense.
Niccolo MachiavelliIn respect to foresight and firmness, the people are more prudent, more stable, and have better judgement than princes.
Niccolo MachiavelliA 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.
Niccolo MachiavelliMinds 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.
Niccolo Machiavelli