Niccolò Machiavelli

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Strategy and mental models1469-1527

Florentine diplomat, author of The Prince

1,049 records in all

Principles 323
Episodes 263
Quotes 463

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Quotes

69 basic records of 463

Quotes are word for word from the source.

Natural leadership
Michael accepted the command; and, as he was a cool and sagacious man, more favored by nature than by fortune, he resolved to compose the tumult, and restore peace to the city.
Our noteMichael di Lando, a wool comber, takes control of the city to restore order.
Source Niccolò Machiavelli History of Florence and of the Affairs of Italy: From the Earliest Times to the Death of Lorenzo the Magnificent, 1378 (opens in a new tab)
The volatility of crowds
He then blamed himself for having confided too much in a people who may be excited and inflamed by every word, motion, and breath of suspicion.
Our noteGiorgio Scali reflects on his mistake of relying on the fickle support of the masses before his execution.
Source Niccolò Machiavelli History of Florence and of the Affairs of Italy: From the Earliest Times to the Death of Lorenzo the Magnificent, 1381 (opens in a new tab)
Moderation in victory
He then recommended them to use good fortune with moderation; for it would be much better to enjoy an imperfect victory with safety to the city, than a complete one at her ruin.
Our noteVeri de' Medici advising the Signory on how to handle the popular uprising.
Source Niccolò Machiavelli History of Florence and of the Affairs of Italy: From the Earliest Times to the Death of Lorenzo the Magnificent (opens in a new tab)
The cost of violence
they could not believe a government to be either good or secure, which needed so much violence for its defense
Our noteThe public reaction to the harsh measures taken by the Florentine government to maintain order.
Source Niccolò Machiavelli History of Florence and of the Affairs of Italy: From the Earliest Times to the Death of Lorenzo the Magnificent (opens in a new tab)
Power Through Restraint
He never sought the honors of government; yet enjoyed them all; and never went to the palace unless by request.
Our noteMachiavelli describes the humble but effective leadership style of Giovanni de' Medici.
Source Niccolò Machiavelli History of Florence and of the Affairs of Italy: From the Earliest Times to the Death of Lorenzo the Magnificent, 1429 (opens in a new tab)
Serving divided groups
he well knew how difficult and dangerous a thing it was to serve an unruly people and a divided city, for the one listens to every report, the other pursues improper measures
Our noteRinaldo degli Albizzi addresses the Council about the dangers of public service during internal conflict.
Source Niccolò Machiavelli History of Florence and of the Affairs of Italy: From the Earliest Times to the Death of Lorenzo the Magnificent (opens in a new tab)
Cost of delay
Rinaldo, by delaying his coming to the piazza, having waited in expectation of forces which did not join him, lost the opportunity of victory
Our noteThe author describes how Rinaldo's hesitation allowed his enemies to organize their defense.
Source Niccolò Machiavelli History of Florence and of the Affairs of Italy: From the Earliest Times to the Death of Lorenzo the Magnificent (opens in a new tab)
Persuasion through interest
Alfonso was a man of great sagacity, and as soon as an opportunity presented itself of communicating with Filippo, he proved to him how completely he contravened his own interests
Our noteKing Alfonso persuaded his captor to release him by showing it was in the captor's interest.
Source Niccolò Machiavelli History of Florence and of the Affairs of Italy: From the Earliest Times to the Death of Lorenzo the Magnificent (opens in a new tab)
Strategic Retreat
it was more advisable to preserve their lives and so rich a city for better fortune, than by endeavoring to repel the present evil, encounter certain death, and incur universal pillage.
Our noteThe citizens of Verona advise the Venetian rectors to retreat to the fortress to save the city.
Source Niccolò Machiavelli History of Florence and of the Affairs of Italy: From the Earliest Times to the Death of Lorenzo the Magnificent (opens in a new tab)

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