Returning to the question of being feared or loved, I conclude that since men love at their own will and fear at the will of the prince, a wise princ… - Niccolò Machiavelli

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Engraved portrait of Niccolò Machiavelli, facing left

Returning to the question of being feared or loved, I conclude that since men love at their own will and fear at the will of the prince, a wise prince must build a foundation on what is his own, and not on what belongs to others.

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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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he wise man should always follow the roads that have been trodden by the great, and imitate those who have most excelled, so that if he cannot reach their perfection, he may at least acquire something of its savour.

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