It is not for this reason that I judge that arms and force should not be used; rather, they must be reserved for last, for when all other means prove insufficient.

Non è per questo che io giudichi che non si abbia adoperare l'armi e le forze; ma si debbono riservare in ultimo luogo dove e quando gli altri modi non bastino.

It is not for this reason that I judge that arms and force should not be used; rather, they must be reserved for last, for when all other means prove insufficient.

Niccolò Machiavelli · Discorsi sopra la prima deca di Tito Livio / Citazioni

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

Men are so simple, and yield so much to necessity, that he who will deceive may always find him that will lend himself to be deceived.

Niccolò Machiavelli · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 243

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

Men are of three different capacities: one understands intuitively; another understands so far as it is explained; and a third understands neither of himself nor by explanation. The first is excellent, the second, commendable, and the third, altogether useless.

Niccolò Machiavelli · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 32

Meglio è, nell'ordinare la giornata, riserbare dietro alla prima fronte assai aiuti, che, per fare la fronte maggiore, disperdere i suoi soldati.

Niccolò Machiavelli · Dell'arte della guerra / Citazioni

Agli accidenti subiti con difficoltà si rimedia, a' pensati con facilità.

Niccolò Machiavelli · Dell'arte della guerra / Citazioni