The Prince (Original by Nicolo Machiavelli) Quotes

“So, as a prince is forced to know how to act like a beast, he must learn from the fox and the lion; because the lion is defenseless against traps and a fox is defenseless against wolves. Therefore one must be a fox in order to recognize traps, and a lion to frighten off wolves.”
― Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince (Penguin Classics) by Niccolo Machiavelli

“It is better to act and repent, than not to act and regret.”
― Nicolo Machiavelli, The Prince

“Never let others interrupt you, because you will lose respect - beware of a man who interrupts you because he is trying to show you strength”
― Nicolo Machiavelli, The Prince

“Injuries ought to be done all at one time, so that, being tasted less, they offend less; benefits ought to be given little by little, so that the flavor of them may last longer.”
― Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince | Niccolò Machiavelli

“... it should be remarked that men ought either to be caressed or destroyed, since they will seek revenge for minor hurts but will not be able to revenge major ones.”
― Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince

“I firmly believe it is better to be bold than cautious because fortune is like a woman([61]): to control her, one must dominate her with force. It can be observed that she favors the bold rather than those who act timidly. And like a woman, she is naturally drawn to the young, as they are less cautious, fiercer, and more audacious in their pursuit of her.”
― Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince Machiavelli - Complete Edition: The New Modern English Translation

“Leadership is about being needed—not feared or loved: Machiavelli suggests that people stay loyal when they believe their safety and success depend on the leader’s presence. Making yourself essential is more powerful than demanding devotion.”
― Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince Machiavelli - Complete Edition: The New Modern English Translation

“...to know the nature of people well one must be a prince, and to know the nature of princes well one must be of the people.”
― Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince