The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him. – Niccolo Machiavelli
The more sand has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should see through it. – Niccolo Machiavelli
One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others. – Niccolo Machiavelli
There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things. – Niccolo Machiavelli