Five Quotes From Niccoló Machiavelli

Niccoló Machiavelli was an important philosopher. People often associate him with the Italian Renaissance. However, he was also a diplomat, politician and writer. In this article, we’ll give you some of his best quotes.

If you haven’t read anything about or by Machiavelli yet, we recommend this book: The Prince. It is a treatise on political doctrine published years after his death.

If you are a fan of a philosophical view of politics, you will absolutely enjoy this book. After all, Niccoló Machiavelli is considered the father of modern political science.

Quotes from Niccolo Machiavelli

1. Achieving goals is difficult

This first quote from Machiavelli invites you to reflect on the fear that so often prevents you from taking steps and achieving your goals. This kind of fear can be paralyzing. As a result, few people actually make their dreams come true.

Machiavelli reminds us that doing great things always involves risk. He calls that risk danger. Facing danger takes courage and persistence.

2. Looks can be deceiving

Niccoló Machiavelli did an excellent job here, articulating an important idea. Often you are not aware that you are wearing a mask to improve your image.

You behave differently with your siblings than with your boss. Why do some people think you’re shy and reserved? The people who know you well say the exact opposite.

Not being able to show the people around you who you really are can be frustrating. After all, your parents and your siblings have known you since you were a baby. They have seen you in good times and in bad. However, what about everyone else? You may feel that people don’t see the real you because you hide your real self.

3. Taking action is always the best choice

The meaning behind this quote is a reference to the fear we discussed earlier. This fear controls your life and prevents you from doing the things you most desire.

You often limit yourself. You make up excuses why you can’t or shouldn’t take certain actions in your life. However, if you look at them from a different perspective, you would find that they are not insurmountable obstacles. The barriers in your mind can actually be far more damaging than any physical disability you may have.

4. Everything in due time

Have you ever felt like you were pushing yourself to the limit? That you had blind faith in someone? That blind faith made it impossible to notice they were trying to manipulate you?

This quote tells us not to trust people blindly. The reason is that this can lead to disappointment. In turn, disenchantment can lead you to another extreme: bigotry.

5. According to Niccoló Machiavelli, change can open doors

This last quote from Niccoló Machiavelli confirms the importance of change. Today, many of us are afraid of change. You may believe that what is familiar and comfortable is better than what is waiting for you along the way.

However , change opens doors and makes good things happen. Despite all the uncertainty, change is necessary. Can you imagine what it would be like to be the same person all your life?

We hope these quotes from Niccoló Machiavelli help you think. If you want to understand him better, you should definitely  read De Prins  .