Machiavelli Quotes

 Here are some of the best and most powerful quotes by Niccolò Machiavelli, drawn mainly from his famous works The Prince, Discourses on Livy, and The Art of War. These quotes reflect his sharp understanding of power, politics, human nature, and realism:

Well, I do not agree with all of his views, but I must say that most of today's world leaders are following his rules willingly or unwillingly, so we have to be aware of these formulas 

🔥 Top Machiavelli Quotes

🎯 On Power & Leadership

  1. “It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.”
    – The Prince

    Arguably his most famous line, emphasizing effectiveness over popularity.

  2. “The ends justify the means.” (paraphrased from)

    While not said exactly this way, it's a common summary of Machiavelli’s belief that outcomes can validate tough decisions.

  3. “A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.”
    – The Prince

  4. “The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.”

  5. “Men in general judge more from appearances than from reality.”
    – The Prince

🧠 On Human Nature

  1. “Men are driven by two principal impulses, either by love or by fear.”

  2. “Men forget more easily the death of their father than the loss of their inheritance.”
    – The Prince

    A raw, cynical view of human nature and loyalty.

  3. “Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.”

🛡️ On Strategy & War

  1. “A prince must imitate the fox and the lion, for the lion cannot protect himself from traps, and the fox cannot defend himself from wolves.”

  2. “Before all else, be armed.”

🏛️ On Government & Republics

  1. “The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.”

  2. “It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles.”

  3. “He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.”

⏳ Timeless Wisdom

  1. “Never attempt to win by force what can be won by deception.”

  2. “The promise given was a necessity of the past: the word broken is a necessity of the present.”

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