Five Quotes By Niccolo Machiavelli

Niccolo Machiavelli was a famous philosopher. In this article, we will share some of his most famous quotes with you.

Niccolo Maciavelli was an important philosopher that people often associated with the Italian Enlightenment. But he was also a diplomat, politician and author. In this article, we would like to share some of his best quotes with you.

If you have not read anything by or about Niccolo Machiavelli, we recommend his book The Prince (Il Principe). It is a treatise on political doctrine, which was published years after his death. If you like the philosophical angles of politics, you will definitely enjoy this book. Machiavelli is, after all, considered one of the fathers of modern political science.

Quotes by Niccolo Machiavelli

1. It is difficult to achieve its goals

This first quote by Niccolo Machiavelli invites you to reflect on the dangers that so often get in the way of being able to take the next step towards the goal. This kind of fear can be crippling. Therefore, it is only possible for the few to live out their dreams.

Machiavelli reminds us that by doing things, we are simultaneously taking a risk. He calls this risk a danger, and confronting this danger requires courage and perseverance.

2. Not everything is as it seems

Machiavelli has made a masterpiece here by formulating an important thought. You often do not even realize that you are wearing a mask to enhance your image. You behave differently towards your siblings in relation to your boss. Why do some people think you are annoyed and reserved when those who know you well would say the opposite?

It can be frustrating if you can not get those around you to see you as who you really are. After all, your parents and siblings have seen you since you were a little baby, and have experienced you in both good and bad contexts. But what about everyone else? Maybe you feel that people do not see the real you because you are hiding your true self.

3. The best choice is always to do something

The meaning behind this quote refers to the fear we mentioned earlier. This fear controls your life and keeps you from doing what you most want.

You often limit yourself and make excuses as to why you can not or will not make crucial changes in your life. But if you look at it from a different perspective, you will be able to see that it is not insurmountable barriers. In fact, the barriers in your mind are far more harmful than any physical limitation that can be.

4. Everything in its time

Have you ever felt that you have gone to extremes? That you have blindly trusted one? The blind faith made it impossible for you to see that they were just trying to manipulate you?

This quote tells us not to blindly trust other people because it can give us disappointments that can lead you to another extreme place: Intolerance.

5. Niccolo Machiavelli believed that change can open doors

This last quote by Niccolo Machiavelli reinforces the importance of change. Nowadays, many of us fear change. Maybe you think that it is the familiar and comfortable that is the best, no matter what awaits you ahead.

But change opens the door for the good to happen. Despite all the uncertainty, change is needed. Can you imagine what it must be like if you are the same person throughout your life?

We hope that these quotes by Niccolo Machiavelli will give you something to think about. If you want to understand him better, you should definitely read the book The  Prince.