“There is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things. For the reformer has enemies in all who profit by the old order, and only luke-warm defenders in all those who would profit by the new order. This luke-warmness arises partly from fear of their adversaries, who have the law in their favour; and partly from the incredulity of mankind, who do not truly believe in anything new until they have had actual experience of it.”

—MACHIAVELLI in The Prince (1513). 

“A prince who is not wise himself will never take good advice.” 

—Niccolo Machiavelli, political philosopher and author (3 May 1469-1527). 

“Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.”

—Niccolo Machiavelli. 

“There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.”
—Niccolo Machiavelli,
political philosopher and historian.

“The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.”

—Niccolo Machiavelli, political philosopher and author (3 May 1469-1527). 

“If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.”

—Niccolo Machiavelli. 

The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him. -Niccolo Machiavelli, political philosopher and author (3 May 1469-1527)