“Cunning and deceit will every time serve a man better than force to rise from a base condition to great fortune.”

— Niccolò Machiavelli, Discourses on Livy, Book 2, Ch. 13

About Niccolò Machiavelli

1469 – 1527

Florentine diplomat and political philosopher, author of 'The Prince' (1513) and 'Discourses on Livy'.

“There is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things.”

“It is not titles that make men illustrious, but men who make titles illustrious.”

“The reason is easy to understand, for it is the common good and not private gain that makes cities great.”

“The long, dull monotonous years of middle-aged prosperity or middle-aged adversity are excellent campaigning weather.”

“In all things success depends on previous preparation, and without such previous preparation there is sure to be failure.”

“I had not achieved a success; but I provoked an uproar; and the sensation was so agreeable that I resolved to try again.”

“Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.”

“When intelligent people pride themselves on not understanding, it is quite natural they should succeed better than fools.”

“Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.”