... Whoever becomes master of a city accustomed to live in … - Niccolò Machiavelli

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... Whoever becomes master of a city accustomed to live in freedom and does no destroy it, may reckon on being destroyed by it. For if it should rebel, it can always screen itself under the name of liberty and its ancient laws, which no length of time, nor any benefit conferred will ever cause it to forget; and do what you will, and take what care you may, unless the inhabitants be scattered and dispersed, this name, and the old order of things, will never cease to be remembered...

Niccolò Machiavelli

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conquest leadership politician tyranny

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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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And he who becomes master of a city accustomed to freedom and does not destroy it may expect to be destroyed by it, for in rebellion it has always the watchword of liberty and its ancient privileges as a rallying point, which neither time nor benefits will ever cause it to forget.

Originators like Niccolò Machiavelli:

Thucydides Napoleon Benjamin Franklin Plutarch Seneca

Additional quotes by Niccolò Machiavelli

Injuries, therefore, should be inflicted all at once, that their ill savour being less lasting may the less offend; whereas, benefits should be conferred little by little, that so they may be more fully relished.

An unavoidable war is called justice. When brutality is the only option left it is holy

The nature of man is such that people consider themselves put under an obligation as much by the benefits they confer as by those they receive.

... Whoever becomes master of a city accustomed to live in freedom and does no destroy it, may reckon on being destroyed by it. For if it should rebe… - Niccolò Machiavelli

About Niccolò Machiavelli

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Additional quotes by Niccolò Machiavelli