Tag Archives: Niccolò Machiavelli

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

He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.

Posted on 31 March 2012 by philosiblog

He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This one got a chuckle out of me, as I have been on both sides of this quote. If you are expecting someone to … Continue reading →

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Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage.

Posted on 24 March 2012 by philosiblog

Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This quote is so spot on. I have known several … 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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Of mankind we may say in general they are fickle, hypocritical, and greedy of gain.

Posted on 10 March 2012 by philosiblog

Of mankind we may say in general they are fickle, hypocritical, and greedy of gain.– Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? Kind of scathing, wouldn’t you say? I’m sure he wasn’t talking about us, specifically. Those other guys, yeah, that’s who … Continue reading →

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When neither their property nor their honor is touched the marjority of men live content.

Posted on 3 March 2012 by philosiblog

When neither their property nor their honor is touched the majority of men live content. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This is another Twitter-friendly quote excerpt : “It makes him hated above all things, as I have said, to be rapacious, and … Continue reading →

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Before all else, be armed.

Posted on 25 February 2012 by philosiblog

Before all else, be armed. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? In it’s original form, this quote was intended as advice to a ruler of a city-state. It meant to urge them to be prepared for armed conflict with another city-state, … Continue reading →

Posted in advice, decision, focus, observation, obstacles, preparation | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

There is no avoiding war; it can only be postponed to the advantage of others.

Posted on 18 February 2012 by philosiblog

There is no avoiding war; it can only be postponed to the advantage of others.– Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? At the time of the quote, there was a state of tension and often open warfare between any number the … Continue reading →

Posted in delay, judgement, observation, opposition, procrastination, weakness | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

and this is a common failing of mankind, never to anticipate a storm when the sea is calm.

Posted on 11 February 2012 by philosiblog

(and this is a common failing of mankind, never to anticipate a storm when the sea is calm) –  Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This is a neat quote, as it is literally a parenthetical note at the end of a … Continue reading →

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The more sand has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should see through it.

Posted on 4 February 2012 by philosiblog

The more sand has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should see through it. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This is a polite way of saying that old people rule! Seriously, it is a call to … Continue reading →

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It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles

Posted on 28 January 2012 by philosiblog

It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? Think about it for a moment. When you are given a title or an award, is that thing honoring you? Or would it … Continue reading →

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Men almost always walk in paths beaten by others and act by imitation

Posted on 21 January 2012 by philosiblog

Men almost always walk in paths beaten by others and act by imitation. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This is a Twitter friendly version of the full quote. However, I believe that it stands well on it’s own, and it … Continue reading →

Posted in choice, creativity, friendship, habits, individuality, self-image | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great

Posted on 14 January 2012 by philosiblog

Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? To me, the first part of the quote is the essence of enthusiasm. If you are ready, willing and able, nothing will be able to … Continue reading →

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It is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver.

Posted on 7 January 2012 by philosiblog

It is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver.  – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This quote is a little petty, but there is a certain satisfaction in putting something over on someone who regularly tries to deceive others. Successfully lying to … Continue reading →

Posted in conscience, contribution, giving, obstacles, pride, setting an example | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Make no small plans for they have no power to stir the soul

Posted on 31 December 2011 by philosiblog

Make no small plans for they have no power to stir the soul. – Niccolò Machiavelli Also attributed (in slightly different words) to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe What does that mean? Which is more inspiring, putting a man on the moon, or … Continue reading →

Posted in action, emotion, goals, motivation, plan, power | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments