Tag Archives: Niccolò Machiavelli

In times of peace, prepare for war.

Posted on 3 November 2012 by philosiblog

In times of peace, prepare for war. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This quote has been around since long before Machiavelli. However, it is very close to passages in The Art of War and in The Prince, and fits with … Continue reading →

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He who blinded by ambition, raises himself to a position whence he cannot mount higher, must fall with the greatest loss.

Posted on 27 October 2012 by philosiblog

He who blinded by ambition, raises himself to a position whence he cannot mount higher, must fall with the greatest loss. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This is an interesting quote, if only for the number of requirements needed to … Continue reading →

Posted in attitude, failure, goals, judgement, motivation, reflection | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

A prince is also respected when he is a true friend and a true enemy.

Posted on 20 October 2012 by philosiblog

A prince is also respected when he is a true friend and a true enemy. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? In this passage, he is talking about how a Prince should conduct himself in a manner to gain renown, or … Continue reading →

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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

Wars begin when you will, but they do not end when you please.

Posted on 6 October 2012 by philosiblog

Wars begin when you will, but they do not end when you please. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? I have seen this quote with “where” instead of “when” and I presume it’s because a popular quote site either got it … 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

Whenever men are not obliged to fight from necessity, they fight from ambition.

Posted on 22 September 2012 by philosiblog

Whenever men are not obliged to fight from necessity, they fight from ambition. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This is sad, but true. There are times when people are forced to fight. The violence at that point is somewhat forgivable, … Continue reading →

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Men judge generally more by the eye than by the hand

Posted on 15 September 2012 by philosiblog

Men judge generally more by the eye than by the hand. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This is another Twitter-shortened quote. The longer version is: “There is nothing more necessary to appear to have than this last quality (appearing to … Continue reading →

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No other way to guard self against flattery than by making people understand that telling you the truth will not offend you.

Posted on 8 September 2012 by philosiblog

No other way to guard self against flattery than by making people understand that telling U the truth DO NOT offend U. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This is another quote that’s just a little longer than what easily fits … Continue reading →

Posted in advice, confidence, friendship, hope, judgement, power | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

He who is not your friend will demand your neutrality, while he who is your friend will entreat you to declare yourself.

Posted on 1 September 2012 by philosiblog

He who is not your friend will demand your neutrality, while he who is your friend will entreat you to declare yourself. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This is part of a longer Twitter-friendly quote: “Thus it will always happen … Continue reading →

Posted in decision, friendship, ideals, loyalty, opposition, personal growth | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Many have dreamed up republics and principalities which have never in truth been known to exist…

Posted on 25 August 2012 by philosiblog

Many have dreamed up republics and principalities which have never in truth been known to exist… – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This is a Twitter friendly shortening of a fairly long quote: “Many have dreamed up republics and principalities … Continue reading →

Posted in adaptation, flexibility, ideals, judgement, limits, understanding | 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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Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others.

Posted on 11 August 2012 by philosiblog

Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This quote a condensed version of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, tailored to match the ruthlessness … 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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