Any man who tries to be good all the time is bound to come to ruin among the great number of men who are not good.
The Prince, political philosophy
The Prince, Chapter XV: Concerning Things for Which Men, and Especially Princes, Are Praised or Blamed
1532
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Cross Reference
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"Never attempt to win by force what can be won by deception."
Strange & Unusual"War is just when it is necessary; arms are permissible when there is no hope except in arms."
Strange & Unusual"One ought never to allow disorders to take their course for the sake of avoiding war, for war is not thereby avoided, but only deferred to your disadvantage."
Controversial"Therefore it is unnecessary for a prince to have all the good qualities I have enumerated, but it is very necessary to appear to have them."
Shocking"He who is the cause of another becoming powerful is ruined."
Humorous