there are two distinct viewpoints in every republic: that of the populace and that of the elite. All the laws made in order to foster liberty result … - Niccolò Machiavelli

When Scipio became consul and was keen on getting the province of Africa, promising that Carthage should be completely destroyed, and the senate would not agree to this because Fabius Maximus was against it, he threatened to appeal to the people, for he knew full well how pleasing such projects are to the populace.

Any man who tries to be good all the time is bound to come to ruin among the great number who are not good. Hence a prince who wants to keep his authority must learn how not to be good, and use that knowledge, or refrain from using it, as necessity requires.

There is no other way to guard yourself against flattery than by making men understand that telling you the truth will not offend you.