The state is not an organism capable of bringing either moral or material improvements to the populace...but merely a vehicle of power for the men and party in power.
Niccolo MachiavelliMen are so stupid and concerned with their present needs, they will always let themselves be deceived.
Niccolo MachiavelliSeverities should be dealt out all at once, so that their suddenness may give less offense; benefits ought to be handed ought drop by drop, so that they may be relished the more.
Niccolo Machiavelli