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Florentine diplomat, author of The Prince
1,049 records in all
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48 basic records of 323
Principles are our summary of their public statements.
If an opponent tries to force you into a specific position, do it voluntarily and with order to maintain control and disrupt their plan.
Supporting quotes
the greatest remedie that is used againste a devise of the enemie, is to dooe willingly thesame, whiche he hath devised that thou shalt dooe perforce2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Avoid conflict unless you have a clear advantage in resources or position, or if not fighting guarantees total failure.
Supporting quotes
the greatest remedie that is used againste a devise of the enemie, is to dooe willingly thesame, whiche he hath devised that thou shalt dooe perforce2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Assign specific zones for logistics and support staff without over-regulating their internal space, focusing instead on keeping main arteries open.
1 more supporting quote is in the member records.
Create value by pairing different skill sets so that one group provides essential maintenance in exchange for exemption from general tasks.
1 more supporting quote is in the member records.
When reducing resources or changing direction, keep the outward signs of your operation consistent so competitors do not sense weakness or change.
Supporting quotes
the Romaines, and the Grekes, have made warre with fewe, fortefiyng themselves thorough order, and thorough arte: the west, and the easte, have made it with multitude2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Never corner an opponent so completely that they have no choice but to fight to the death; desperation creates unexpected strength.
Supporting quotes
emong all the thynges, with the whiche the Capitaines, winne the hartes of the people, be the insamples of chastitie and justice2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
To maintain a position of authority, one must be willing to act against traditional virtues when necessity dictates that unscrupulous actions are required for stability.
Focus on the specific needs of a new leader who must establish themselves against established customs rather than just following tradition.
While one cannot break the course of fortune, one can work within its framework and should never stop exploring new paths.
Supporting quotes
Cunning and deceit will every time serve a man better than force to rise from a base condition to great fortune.2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
A leader can choose when to initiate a conflict or a risky venture, but they cannot dictate when or how it will conclude. External forces and reactions often take over once the process begins.
1 more supporting quote is in the member records.
A leader must foresee future troubles and address them immediately, as problems are easy to cure but hard to detect at the start.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Never help another party become powerful, as they will eventually use that power and their new-found astuteness against you.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Set ambitious goals beyond the actual target to ensure that even if the effort falls short, the intended result is still achieved.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
People who were once enemies but now need your support will work harder to prove their loyalty and erase their past bad reputation.
Supporting quotes
the best possible fortress is - not to be hated by the people, because, although you may hold the fortresses, yet they will not save you if the people hate youNothing makes a prince so much esteemed as great enterprises and setting a fine example.1 more supporting quote is in the member records.
Encourage citizens to improve their possessions and trade by ensuring they won't be seized or unfairly taxed, and reward those who improve the state.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
A person will not succeed in a field that contradicts their inherent nature; one must pivot to where their natural inclinations lie.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
A leader must assess their own strengths and weaknesses to choose the right strategy for growth or stability.
Creating new titles and formalizing roles, like the cardinals did, helps a group consolidate power and exclude outsiders from decision-making.
Supporting quotes
The popes had more or less authority in Rome and the rest of Italy, in proportion as they were favorites of the emperor or of the most powerful states.2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
A leader can find safety in a hostile environment by positioning themselves between two opposing enemies who hate each other more than they hate the leader.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Great talent is often wasted when a leader's pride prevents them from making necessary concessions to superior or institutional powers.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
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