Niccolo Machiavelli Quotes

It was observed of Elizabeth that she was weak herself, but chose wise counsellors; to which it was replied, that to choose wise counsellors was, in a prince, the highest wisdom.

The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.

Consult your friend on all things, especially on those which respect yourself. His counsel may then be useful where your own self-love might impair your judgment.

At Athens, wise men propose, and fools dispose.

Wise leaders generally have wise counselors because it takes a wise person themselves to distinguish them.

In Greece wise men speak and fools decide.

Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety

Grant, then, to Your servant an understanding mind to judge Your people, to distinguish between good and bad; for who can judge this vast people of yours?

In the choice of these captains not those that are the boldest and most enterprising are esteemed the best; but those rather, who are steady and sedate; prudent in conduct, and skillful in command. Nor is it so much required, that they should be at all times eager to begin the combat, and throw themselves precipitately into action

You can no more have a fool as a king than a blind man to lead you along the road

Take ye counsel together in all matters, inasmuch as consultation is the lamp of guidance which leadeth the way, and is the bestower of understanding.

Where no counsel is, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

The only real difference between a wise man and a fool, Moore knew, was that the wise man tended to make more serious mistakes—and only because no one trusted a fool with really crucial decisions; only the wise had the opportunity to lose battles, or nations.

Follow me, the wise man said, but he walked behind.

A word to the wise is sufficient

there is nothing so easy as to be wise for others; a species of prodigality, by-the-by - for such wisdom is wholly wasted.

I will not give you counsel, saying do this, or do that. For not in doing or contriving, nor in choosing between this course and another, can I avail; but only in knowing what was and is, and in part also what shall be.

Knowledge is the treasure, but judgment the treasurer, of a wise man.

A wise man who stands firm is a statesman, a foolish man who stands firm is a catastrophe.

The trouble was, if you were a chief you had to think, you had to be wise.

Tis not in battles that from youth we train The Governor who must be wise and good, And temper with the sternness of the brain Thoughts motherly, and meek as womanhood.

I tell ye wut, my judgment is you're pooty sure to fail, Ez long 'z the head keeps turnin' back for counsel to the the tail.

It is easy to be wise on behalf of others than to be so for ourselves.

You need to be surrounded by good advisers, but you also need to trust your instinct.