Men should be either treated generously or destroyed, because they take revenge for slight injuries – for heavy ones they cannot. – Niccolo Machiavelli
Men shrink less from offending one who inspires love than one who inspires fear. – Niccolo Machiavelli
There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt. – Niccolo Machiavelli
I consider it a mark of great prudence in a man to abstain from threats or any contemptuous expressions, for neither of these weaken the enemy, but threats make him more cautious, and the other excites his hatred, and a desire to revenge himself. – Niccolo Machiavelli