I certainly believe this: that it is better to be impetuous… - Niccolò Machiavelli

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I certainly believe this: that it is better to be impetuous than cautious, because Fortune is a woman, and if you want to keep her under it is necessary to beat her and force her down. It is clear that she more often allows herself to be won over by impetuous men than by those who proceed coldly. And so, like a woman, Fortune is always the friend of young men, for they are less cautious, more ferocious, and command her with more audacity.

Niccolò Machiavelli

The Prince · July 13, 2014 Verified in 1 source Sign up to see the complete provenance

misogyny leadership fortune Women

English

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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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I hold strongly to this: that it is better to be impetuous than circumspect; because fortune is a woman and if she is to be submissive it is necessary to beat and coerce her.

I certainly think that it is better to be impetuous than cautious, for fortune is a woman, and it is necessary, if you wish to master her, to conquer her by force; and it can be seen that she let's herself be overcome by these rather than by those who proceed coldly. And therefore, like a woman, she is a friend to the young, because they are less cautious, fiercer, and master her with greater audacity

Originators like Niccolò Machiavelli:

Thucydides Napoleon Benjamin Franklin Plutarch Seneca

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Therefore, it is necessary to be a fox to discover the snares and a lion to terrify the wolves

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Is it better to be loved or feared?

I certainly believe this: that it is better to be impetuous than cautious, because Fortune is a woman, and if you want to keep her under it is necess… - Niccolò Machiavelli

About Niccolò Machiavelli

Also Known As

Shorter versions of this quote

Additional quotes by Niccolò Machiavelli