About Niccolo Machiavelli:
Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli is recognized as the founder of modern political science and political ethics. He was for many years an official in the Florentine Republic, with responsibilities in diplomatic and military affairs. He also wrote comedies, carnival songs, and poetry. His personal correspondence is renowned in the Italian language. He was secretary to the Second Chancery of the Republic of Florence from 1498 to 1512, when the Medici were out of power. He wrote his most renowned work The Prince (Il Principe) in 1513 after the Medici had recovered power and he no longer held a position of responsibility in Florence. His views on the importance of a strong ruler who was not afraid to be harsh with his subjects and enemies were most likely influenced by the Italian city-states, which due to a lack of unification were very vulnerable to other unified nation-states such as France.
God save me from fools with a little philosophy - no one is more difficult to reach.
Niccolo MachiavelliFreedom is secured not by the fulfilling of men's desires, but by the removal of desire.
Niccolo MachiavelliThe first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.
Niccolo MachiavelliThe promise given was a necessity of the past: the word broken is a necessity of the present.
Niccolo Machiavelli