... one would like to be both [loved and feared], but as it is difficult to combine both love and fear, if one has to choose between them it is far s… - Niccolò Machiavelli

Since love and fear can hardly exist together, if we must choose between them, it is far safer to be feared than loved

Men are so simple, and governed so absolutely by their present needs, that he who wishes to deceive will never fail in finding willing dupes.

If they lacked the opportunity, the strength of their sprit would have been sapped; if they had lacked ability, the opportunity would have been wasted.

And yet we cannot define as skillful killing one's fellow citizens, betraying one's friends, and showing no loyalty, mercy, or moral obligation. These means can lead to power, but not glory.