Niccolo Machiavelli Quotes

There is no better proof of a man's being truly good than his desiring to be constantly under the observation of good men.

Today we are afraid of simple words like goodness and mercy and kindness. We don't believe in the good old words because we don't believe in good old values anymore. And that's why the world is sick.

National morality, by example and by persuasion, should begin at the White House and have the good influence to reach out to every corner of the land

I am not interested in power for power's sake, but I'm interested in power that is moral, that is right and that is good.

Thus you are just not because you give what is owed, but because you do what is appropriate to you as the highest good.

There is no principle worth the name if it is not wholly good.

Every act of virtue is an ingredient unto reward.

Being good is just a matter of temperament in the end.

Good government is the outcome of private virtue.

The notion that public service requires men and women of good character now seems quaint.

I've tried to lead a straight, clean life, not set any kind of a bad example.

They're only truly great who are truly good.

Men often think it's the bad boys who get the hot chicks. But I'm living proof that the good guys win.

Whatever flaws or personal failings afflict them, it remains the case that the overwhelming majority of priests and politicians are honourable and honest - seeking to live out their beliefs and serve society.

It's better to be good than evil, but one achieves goodness at a terrific cost.

The wicked are always surprised to find ability in the good.

A man is original when he speaks the truth that has always been known to all good men.

The time has come for all good men to rise above principle.

It's such a challenge to play a good guy - it's hard to be believable.

I've played quite a few good guys.

Wicked people are always surprised to find ability in those that are good.

It often seemed like we had become a nation where the only heroes were rock singers and ball players and that there were no large men of probity who could be called upon for the task.

Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men.

Virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government.

Being a 'good man' is something you do, not something you are.