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.
There are three kinds of intelligence: one kind understands things for itself, the other appreciates what others can understand, the third understands neither for itself nor through others. This first kind is excellent, the second good, and the third kind useless.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote categorizes intelligence into three types, highlighting the value of self-understanding and the appreciation of others' perspectives.
Niccolo Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of different forms of intelligence, distinguishing between those who gain knowledge independently, those who value the understanding of others, and those who lack comprehension altogether. The quote reflects a hierarchy of intellectual ability, suggesting that the highest form of intelligence is self-derived, followed by a respectful acknowledgment of collective knowledge, while ignorance holds no value.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a seminar on emotional intelligence, one might use this quote to illustrate the different ways people approach learning.
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.
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.
Whoever conquers a free town and does not demolish it commits a great error and may expect to be ruined himself.
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.
The chief foundations of all states, new as well as old or composite, are good laws and good arms.
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Instead of dwelling on negative thoughts, cause your mind to dwell on peace and joy.
A great hallmark of mental wellness is the ability to be in the present moment, fully and with no thoughts of being elsewhere.
Jesus. Low-Key Lyesmith," said Shadow. and then he heard what he was saying and he understood. "Loki," he said. "Loki Lie-smith." "You're slow," said Loki, "but you get there in the end." And his lips twisted into a scarred smile and the embers danced in the shadows of his eyes.
You can't change the way people think, all you can do is give them a tool, the use of which will change their thinking.
The devil and temptations also do give occasion unto us somewhat to learn and understand the Scriptures, by experience and practice. Without trials and temptations we should never understand anything thereof; no, not although we diligently read and heard the same.
Einstein was once asked how many feet are in a mile. Einstein's reply was "I don't know, why should I fill my brain with facts I can find in two minutes in any standard reference book?