Authors

Niccolò Machiavelli

Niccolò Machiavelli (1469–1527) was an Italian Renaissance diplomat, historian, and political philosopher who served in the Florentine chancery. He is best known for The Prince and for writings on statecraft and political realism that emphasize adaptability in leadership.

Quotes: 4

Quotes by Niccolò Machiavelli

Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times. — Niccolò Machiavelli

Success Demands Conduct that Evolves with Time

Machiavelli’s maxim distills a core principle of his political thought: fortune shifts like a river, and prudence lies in reshaping one’s banks. In The Prince (1532), chapter 25, he argues that fortune governs half of hu...

Created on: 9/5/2025

The best way is to be liked, but the second-best is to be feared. — Niccolò Machiavelli

Power Dynamics: Navigating Between Affection and Fear

Machiavelli’s famous assertion, drawn from his political treatise ‘The Prince’ (1532), foregrounds his pragmatic approach to leadership. Rather than viewing rulers as moral exemplars, he contends that effectiveness outwe...

Created on: 6/21/2025

The Wise Man Does At Once What the Fool Does Finally — Niccolò Machiavelli

The quote highlights the importance of acting promptly rather than delaying necessary actions.

Created on: 4/15/2025

Everyone sees happiness in the same way; to make another happy makes you happy too. — Niccolò Machiavelli

Happiness Through Shared Joy - Niccolò Machiavelli

This quote highlights the idea that happiness is a universal experience. Regardless of individual differences, people inherently understand and resonate with the joy of others.

Created on: 1/25/2025