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Quote by Niccolo Machiavelli

“Violence must be inflicted once for all; people will then forget what it tastes like and so be less resentful. Benefits must be conferred gradually; and in that way they will taste better.”

Quote by Niccolo Machiavelli

Author

Niccolo Machiavelli

Niccolò Machiavelli was an Italian historian, political theorist, and philosopher who lived during the Renaissance. He is best known for his book 'The Prince,' which delves into the concepts of power, political tactics, and the art of rule. more

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“When men receive favours from someone they expected to do them ill, they are under a greater obligation to their benefactor.”

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Author:Niccolo Machiavelli

“The nature of man is such that people consider themselves put under an obligation as much by the benefits they confer as by those they receive.”

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“A clever general... avoids an army when its spirit is keen, but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to return. This is the art of studying moods. Disciplined and calm, he awaits the appearance of disorder and hubbub among the enemy. This is the art of retaining self-possession.”

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Book:The Art of War

Source: The Art of War

“By altering his arrangements and changing his plans, the skillful general keeps the enemy without definite knowledge. By shifting his camp and taking circuitous routes, he prevents the enemy from anticipating his purpose. At the critical moment, the leader of an army acts like one who has climbed up a height and then kicks away the ladder behind him.”

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Book:The Art of War

Source: The Art of War

“Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy's purpose.”

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Book:The Art of War

Source: The Art of War

“In war, practice dissimulation and you will succeed.”

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Book:Sun Tzu Art of War

Source: Sun Tzu Art of War

“A prince... must learn from the fox and the lion... One must be a fox in order to recognize traps, and a lion to frighten off wolves. Those who act simply as lions are stupid. So it follows that a prudent ruler cannot, and must not, honour his word when it places him at a disadvantage and when the reasons for which he made his promise no longer exist.”

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“When settling disputes between his subjects, he should ensure that his judgement is irrevocable; and he should be so regarded that no one ever dreams of trying to deceive or trick him.”

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“O divine art of subtlety and secrecy!”

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Author:Sun Tzu

“There is nothing more difficult than tactical maneuvering. The difficult consists in turning the devious into the direct, and misfortune into gain. Thus, to take a long and circuitous route after enticing the enemy out of the way, and though starting after him to contrive to reach the goal before him, shows knowledge of the artifice of deviation.”

Source: Sun Tzu's The Art of War: Bilingual Edition Complete Chinese and English Text