Sunday, May 3, 2009

Meandering to and fro . . .

Today is the birthday of Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli (May 3, 1469 – June 21, 1527), philosopher, writer, and politician. He is considered one of the founders of modern political science, oft referred to as a Renaissance Man. He was a diplomat, political philosopher, musician, poet and playwright. Niccolò Machiavelli is best known for his short political treatise, The Prince.

"The chief foundations of all states, new as well as old or composite, are good laws and good arms; and as there cannot be good laws where the state is not well armed, it follows that where they are well armed they have good laws." - Niccolò Machiavelli

“Men in general judge more from appearances than from reality. All men have eyes, but few have the gift of penetration” - Niccolò Machiavelli

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

“Make no small plans for they have not the power to stir men’s blood.”- Niccolò Machiavelli

“The more sand that has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should see through it.” - Niccolò Machiavelli

“Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times.” - Niccolò Machiavelli

*Guess we know where the term machiavellian originates.

Stamp image source (1)

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