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
It makes him contemptible to be considered fickle, frivolous, effeminate, mean-spirited, irresolute, from all of which a prince should guard himself as from a rock; and he should endeavour to show in his actions greatness, courage, gravity, and fortitude; and in his private dealings with his subjects let him show that his judgments are irrevocable, and maintain himself in such reputation that no one can hope either to deceive him or to get round him.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A leader should be strong and unwavering, avoiding traits that could be seen as weaknesses in order to maintain respect and authority.
In this quote, Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of a leader presenting themselves as strong and decisive. He warns against characteristics that could be perceived as weaknesses, such as fickleness or frivolity, suggesting that a prince must be resolute and maintain their authority. By doing so, they inspire respect and prevent others from attempting to deceive or manipulate them.
Themes
LeadershipStrengthAuthorityDecisivenessIntegrity
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on effective leadership, one might quote Machiavelli to highlight the importance of decisiveness in guiding a team.
More from Niccolo Machiavelli
All quotes →For 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
The chief foundations of all states, new as well as old or composite, are good laws and good arms.
Niccolo MachiavelliRead
Similar quotes
I don't have to come up with the best idea. It is my job to make sure that it is always the best idea that wins.
Bjarke IngelsRead
On every team, there is a core group that sets the tone for everyone else. If the tone is positive, you have half the battle won. If it is negative, you are beaten before you ever walk on the field.
Chuck NollRead
You have to learn what makes this or that Sammy run. For one it's a pat on the back, for another it's eating him out, for still another it's a fatherly talk, or something else. You're a fool if you think as I did as a young coach, that you can treat them all alike.
Bear BryantRead
Corporate culture matters. How management chooses to treat its people impacts everything - for better or for worse.
Simon SinekRead
I will not seek, and I will not accept the nomination of my party for another term as your president.
Lyndon B. JohnsonRead
Except for the title 'father,' there is no title, including 'vice president,' that I am more proud to wear than that of United States senator.
Joe BidenRead