It is easier for the prince to make friends of those men who were contented under the former government, and are therefore his enemies, than of those… - Niccolò Machiavelli

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Engraved portrait of Niccolò Machiavelli, facing left

It is easier for the prince to make friends of those men who were contented under the former government, and are therefore his enemies, than of those who, being discontented with it, were favourable to him and encouraged him to seize it.

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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 · Portrait adapted from Wikimedia Commons, Santi di Tito (Public domain / CC0)

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

For, besides what has been said, it should be borne in mind that the temper of the multitude is fickle, and that while it is easy to persuade them of a thing, it is hard to fix them in that persuasion

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