Category Archives: caution

It is better to be impetuous than cautious, because fortune is a woman.

Posted on 13 October 2012 by philosiblog

It is better to be impetuous than cautious, because fortune is a woman. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? The original quote says much about the treatment of women in that age. The explanation of impetuous (later in the paragraph) was … Continue reading →

Posted in action, caution, confidence, delay, potential, self knowledge | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

It is the debtor that is ruined by hard times.

Posted on 4 October 2012 by philosiblog

It is the debtor that is ruined by hard times. – Rutherford B. Hayes What does that mean? This is another Twitter-friendly quote which has been shortened from the original: “Let every man, every corporation, and especially let every village, town, and … Continue reading →

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He who neglects what is done for what ought to be done, sooner effects his ruin than his preservation.

Posted on 29 September 2012 by philosiblog

He who neglects what is done for what ought to be done, sooner effects his ruin than his preservation. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? Back in the day when Machiavelli was writing, there were plenty of others who were trying … Continue reading →

Posted in caution, deception, judgement, observation, optimism, skepticism | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Riches do not exhilarate us so much with their possession as they torment us with their loss.

Posted on 12 September 2012 by philosiblog

Riches do not exhilarate us so much with their possession as they torment us with their loss. – Epicurus What does that mean? I love this quote, as it is all about attachment and the fear of loss. If you … Continue reading →

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First feelings are always the most natural.

Posted on 5 September 2012 by philosiblog

First feelings are always the most natural. – Louis XIV What does that mean? This is so true, in my experience. Be it emotional, intellectual, or social, the first feeling has always been my greatest ally. Before I learned to … Continue reading →

Posted in caution, deception, empathy, judgement, observation, thinking | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

There are two methods of fighting, the one by law, the other by force: the first method is that of men, the second of beasts.

Posted on 18 August 2012 by philosiblog

There are two methods of fighting, the one by law, the other by force: the first method is that of men, the second of beasts. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This is another Twitter-friendly quote. The more complete version is … Continue reading →

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… and if indeed sometimes I happen to tell the truth, I hide it among so many lies that it is hard to find.

Posted on 5 August 2012 by philosiblog

… and if indeed sometimes I happen to tell the truth, I hide it among so many lies that it is hard to find. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This is a twitter friendly version of a longer quote: … Continue reading →

Posted in caution, common sense, deception, foolish, truth, virtue | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

The innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under the old conditions.

Posted on 28 July 2012 by philosiblog

The innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under the old conditions. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This quote is about the difficulties faced by a new ruler. With a new ruler come new rules, and the … Continue reading →

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Fortune sides with him who dares.

Posted on 25 July 2012 by philosiblog

Fortune sides with him who dares. – Virgil What does that mean? This is definitely not a quote for the timid. This is about taking charge of your future, it’s about making things happen, it’s about getting things done. Think … Continue reading →

Posted in action, caution, confidence, decision, leadership, plan | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Science is the great antidote to the poison of enthusiasm and superstition.

Posted on 5 June 2012 by philosiblog

Science is the great antidote to the poison of enthusiasm and superstition. – Adam Smith What does that mean? For me, this quote speaks of science and it’s role in helping keep humanity sane. Before science was established as a proper … Continue reading →

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The vulgar crowd always is taken by appearances, and the world consists chiefly of the vulgar.

Posted on 5 May 2012 by philosiblog

The vulgar crowd always is taken by appearances, and the world consists chiefly of the vulgar. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? Here, the word ‘vulgar’ is used to imply a lack of refinement and sophistication in the people making up … Continue reading →

Posted in caution, honest, judgement, patience, question, skepticism | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Princes and governments are far more dangerous than other elements within society.

Posted on 28 April 2012 by philosiblog

Princes and governments are far more dangerous than other elements within society. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This may come as somewhat shocking to some people, and painfully obvious to many others. Anyone who has been following the violence by … Continue reading →

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One must emulate both the fox and the lion, because a lion cannot defy a snare, while a fox cannot defy a pack of wolves.

Posted on 7 April 2012 by philosiblog

One must emulate both the fox and the lion, because a lion cannot defy a snare, while a fox cannot defy a pack of wolves. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This is another Twitter shortened quote, which is stated more … Continue reading →

Posted in attitude, caution, creativity, flexibility, opposition, victory | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Everybody wants to do something to help, but nobody wants to be first.

Posted on 29 March 2012 by philosiblog

Everybody wants to do something to help, but nobody wants to be first. – Pearl Bailey What does that mean? How often have you seen it in movies, someone is on the ground and a crowd of people surround them. Yet everyone hesitates. No one approaches, they all just look. Who will be … Continue reading →

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Men are so simple and so much inclined to obey immediate needs that a deceiver will never lack victims for his deceptions.

Posted on 17 March 2012 by philosiblog

Men are so simple and so much inclined to obey immediate needs that a deceiver will never lack victims for his deceptions. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? In this statement to the Princes of Renaissance Italy, the point is that … Continue reading →

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