And in examining their life and deeds it will be seen that they owed nothing to fortune but the opportunity which gave them matter to be shaped into the form that they thought fit; and without that opportunity their powers would have been wasted, and without their powers the opportunity would have come in vain.
("The Prince")
More Quotes from Niccolo Machiavelli:
One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived.Niccolo Machiavelli
When neither their property nor their honor is touched, the majority of men live content.
Niccoló Machiavelli
The prince who relies upon their words, without having otherwise provided for his security, is ruined for friendships that are won by awards, and not by greatness and nobility of soul, although deserved, yet are not real, and cannot be depended upon in time of adversity.
Niccoló Machiavelli
The end justifies the means.
Niccoló Machiavelli
A son could bear complacently the death of his father while the loss of his inheritance might drive him to despair
Niccoló Machiavelli
When a newly acquired State has been accustomed, as I have said, to live under its own laws and in freedom, there are three methods whereby it may be held. The first is to destroy it; the second, to go and reside there in person; the third, to suffer it to live on under its own laws, subjecting it to a tribute, and entrusting its government to a few of the inhabitants who will keep the rest your friends
Niccolo Machiavelli
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