When a newly acquired State has been accustomed, as I have said, to live under its own laws and in freedom, there are three methods whereby it may be… - Niccolò Machiavelli

Everyone sees what you seem to be, few know what you really are; and those few do not dare take a stand against the general opinion.

it is far better to earn the confidence of the people than to rely on fortresses.

When evening comes, I return to my home, and I go into my study; and on the thresh-hold, I take off my everyday clothes, which are covered in mud and mire,and I put on regal and curial robes; and dressed in a more appropriate manner I enter into the ancient courts of ancient men and am welcomed by them kindly, and there I taste the food that alone is mine, and for which I was born; and there I am not ashamed to speak to them, to ask them the reasons for their actions; and they, in their humanity, answer me; and for four hours I feel no boredom,I dismiss every affliction, I no longer fear poverty nor do I tremble at the thought of death; I become completely part of them.