Niccolò Machiavelli — People

Mossy stone steps leading into a forest lit by shafts of sunlight. — Original artwork

A prudent man should always follow in the path trodden by great men and imitate those who are most excellent.

Niccolò Machiavelli

A brass balance scale with a small wooden bridge on the lower pan and a pile of sawdust and tools on the higher pan. — Original artwork

In judging policies we should consider the results that have been achieved through them rather than the means by which they have been executed.

Niccolò Machiavelli

A softly glowing brass lantern draped with gauzy fabric, with a pale paper slip tucked behind it. — Original artwork

Occasionally words must serve to veil the facts. But let this happen in such a way that no one become aware of it; or, if it should be noticed, excuses must be at hand to be produced immediately.

Niccolò Machiavelli

Painterly two toy soldiers on scorched ground, one standing and one fallen, beneath a smoky sky. — Original artwork

The Romans never allowed a trouble spot to remain simply to avoid going to war over it, because they knew that wars don’t just go away, they are only postponed to someone else’s advantage.

Niccolò Machiavelli