It should be borne in mind that there is nothing more difficult to arrange, more doubtful of success, and more dangerous to carry through than initiating changes. The innovator makes enemies of all those who prospered under the old order, and only lukewarm support is forthcoming from those who would prosper under the new. Their support is lukewarm ... partly because men are generally incredulous, never really trusting new things unless they have tested them by experience.
Niccolo MachiavelliThe first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.
Niccolo MachiavelliHe who makes war his profession cannot be otherwise than vicious. War makes thieves, and peace brings them to the gallows.
Niccolo MachiavelliA wise ruler should rely on what is under his own control, not on what is under the control of others.
Niccolo MachiavelliHow laudable it is for a prince to keep good faith and live with integrity, and not with astuteness, every one knows. Still the experience of our times shows those princes to have done great things who have had little regard for good faith, and have been able by astuteness to confuse men's brains, and who have ultimately overcome those who have made loyalty their foundation.
Niccolo Machiavelli