From this one can derive a general rule which rarely, if ev… - Niccolò Machiavelli

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From this one can derive a general rule which rarely, if ever, fails: that anyone who is the cause of another becoming powerful comes to ruin himself; because that power has been brought about by him either through cunning or by force; and both of these two qualities are suspect to the one who has become powerful.

Niccolò Machiavelli

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About Niccolò Machiavelli

Niccolò Machiavelli (3 May 1469 – 21 June 1527) was an Italian political philosopher, historian, musician, poet, and romantic comedic playwright. Machiavelli was also a key figure in realist political theory, crucial to European statecraft during the Renaissance.

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Also Known As

Native Name: Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli

Alternative Names: Nicolas Machiavel • Machiavel • Niccolo di Bernardo dei Machiavelli • Niccolo Machiavelli • Nicolò Machiavelli • Nicolo Machiavelli • Machiavelli • N. Machiavelli

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He who causes another to become powerful ruins himself, for he brings such a power into being either by design or by force, and both of these elements are suspects to the one whom he has made powerful.

he who is the cause of another becoming powerful is ruined; because that predominancy has been brought about either by astuteness or else by force, and both are distrusted by him who has been raised to power.

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Thucydides Napoleon Benjamin Franklin Plutarch Seneca

Additional quotes by Niccolò Machiavelli

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

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

Yet the way men live is so far removed from the way they ought to live that anyone who abandons what is for what should be pursues his downfall rather than his preservation

From this one can derive a general rule which rarely, if ever, fails: that anyone who is the cause of another becoming powerful comes to ruin himself… - Niccolò Machiavelli

About Niccolò Machiavelli

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