You know better than I that in a Republic talent is always suspect. A man attains an elevated position only when his mediocrity prevents him from being a threat to others. And for this reason a democracy is never governed by the most competent, but rather by those whose insignificance will not jeopardize anyone else's self-esteem.
Niccolo MachiavelliWhen neither their property nor their honor is touched, the majority of men live content.
Niccolo MachiavelliGood order and discipline in any army are to be depended upon more than courage alone.
Niccolo Machiavelli