There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt. – Niccolo Machiavelli
There is no avoiding war it can only be postponed to the advantage of others. – Niccolo Machiavelli

There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt. – Niccolo Machiavelli
There is no avoiding war it can only be postponed to the advantage of others. – Niccolo Machiavelli
No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it is ripe for execution. – Niccolo Machiavelli
A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. His good example has such an influence that the good men strive to imitate him, and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example. – Niccolo Machiavelli