The forces of adversaries are more diminished by the loss of those who flee than of those who are killed.
Niccolo MachiavelliMen are able to assist fortune but not to thwart her. They can weave her designs, but they cannot destroy them.
Niccolo MachiavelliIt is the duty of a man of honor to teach others the good which he has not been able to do himself because of the malignity of the times, that this good finally can be done by another more loved in heaven.
Niccolo MachiavelliSince it is difficult to join them together, it is safer to be feared than to be loved when one of the two must be lacking.
Niccolo MachiavelliThus it happens in matters of state; for knowing afar off (which it is only given a prudent man to do) the evils that are brewing, they are easily cured. But when, for want of such knowledge, they are allowed to grow so that everyone can recognize them, there is no longer any remedy to be found.
Niccolo Machiavelli