A prince, therefore, must not mind incurring the charge of cruelty for the purpose of keeping his subjects united and confident; for, with a very few examples, he will be more merciful than those who, from excess of tenderness, allow disorders to arise, from whence spring murders and rapine; for these as a rule injure the whole community, while the executions carried out by the prince injure only one individual. And of all princes, it is impossible for a new prince to escape the name of cruel, new states being always full of dangers.
Niccolo MachiavelliPrinces should delegate to others the enactment of unpopular measures and keep in their own hands the means of winning favours.
Niccolo MachiavelliBenefits should be granted little by little, so that they may be better enjoyed.
Niccolo MachiavelliIn our own days we have seen no princes accomplish great results save those who have been accounted miserly.
Niccolo MachiavelliWe must bear in mind, then, that there is nothing more difficult and dangerous, or more doubtful of success, than an attempt to introduce a new order of things in any state. For the innovator has for enemies all those who derived advantages from the old order of things, whilst those who expect to be benefited by the new institutions will be but lukewarm defenders.
Niccolo Machiavelli