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 prince must consider, as has been in part said before, how to avoid those things which will make him hated or contemptible; and as often as he shall have succeeded he will have fulfilled his part, and he need not fear any danger in other reproaches.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A ruler should strive to avoid actions that lead to hatred or contempt, as success in this will ensure their safety from criticism.
In this quote, Niccolo Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of perception in leadership. A ruler, or 'prince', must be acutely aware of the actions that may lead to unpopularity or disdain among their subjects. By successfully navigating these challenges and maintaining a respectable image, the leader can secure their position and safeguard against future criticisms. Essentially, it speaks to the necessity of political acumen and the need to maintain a favorable reputation to avoid potential dangers.
Themes
LeadershipReputationPowerPoliticsMachiavelli
In practice
Example use cases
In a political debate to illustrate the importance of reputation for leaders.
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
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