Every one sees what you appear to be, few really know what you are, and those few dare not oppose themselves to the opinion of the many, who have the majesty of the state to defend them.
Niccolo MachiavelliRead
The chief foundations of all states, new as well as old or composite, are good laws and good arms.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Strong governance relies on a balance of sound laws and military power.
Machiavelli's quote emphasizes that the stability and success of any state, whether newly formed or established, depend fundamentally on two key aspects: the presence of just and effective laws, and the capability to defend or enforce those laws through military strength. It suggests that without good governance reflected in laws, and without the means to protect that governance, a state is likely to falter.
Themes
LawsStatesGovernanceMilitaryPower
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate, a candidate might use this quote to argue for the importance of legal reform.
More from Niccolo Machiavelli
All quotes βFor that reason, let a prince have the credit of conquering and holding his state, the means will always be considered honest, and he will be praised by everybody because the vulgar are always taken by what a thing seems to be and by what comes of it; and in the world there are only the vulgar, for the few find a place there only when the many have no ground to rest on.
Niccolo MachiavelliRead
Many have imagined republics and principalities which have never been seen or known to exist in reality; for how we live is so far removed from how we ought to live, that he who abandons what is done for what ought to be done, will rather bring about his own ruin than his preservation.
Niccolo MachiavelliRead
Whoever conquers a free town and does not demolish it commits a great error and may expect to be ruined himself.
Niccolo MachiavelliRead
And here one must not that hatred is acquired just as much by means of good actions as by bad ones; and so, as I said above, if a prince wishes to maintain the state, he is often obliged not to be good; because whenever that group which you believe you need to support you is corrupted, whether it be the common people, the soldiers, or the nobles, it is to your advantage to follow their inclinations in order to satisfy them; and then good actions are your enemy.
Niccolo MachiavelliRead
In war, discipline can do more than fury.
Niccolo MachiavelliRead
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