The first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and fai… - Niccolò Machiavelli

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The first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful. But when they are otherwise one cannot form a good opinion of him, for the prime error which he made was in choosing them.

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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.

Biography information from Wikiquote

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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Additional quotes by Niccolò Machiavelli

A wise man ought always to follow the paths beaten by great men, and to imitate those who have been supreme, so that if his ability does not equal theirs, at least it will savor of it. Let him act like the clever archers who, designing to hit the mark which yet appears too far distant, and knowing the limits to which the strength of their bow attains, take aim much higher than the mark, not to reach by their strength or arrow to so great a height, but to be able with the aid of so high an aim to hit the mark they wish to reach

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