A wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be against his interests.
Niccolo MachiavelliViolence must be inflicted once for all; people will then forget what it tastes like and so be less resentful. Benefits must be conferred gradually; and in that way they will taste better.
Niccolo MachiavelliWise men say, and not without reason, that whosoever wished to foresee the future might consult the past.
Niccolo Machiavelli