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Monthly Archives: September 2006

On the need for discretion among government officials:

“It is much more necessary to keep secrets in the courts of princes, for there is an infinite number of devils who spy on their actions to make trouble and thwart them.”

On the need for political unity:

“I . . . wish that you all persist fast in a good concord, and not to dissever yourselves with any factions. The proverb is very true that darts foreseen hurt very little or not at all.”

On charismatic leaders:

“Where might is mixed with wit, there is too good an accord in government.”

On executions:

“It is not lawful for even Princes to kill, nor to cause to kill, except in two cases only: one in legitimate warfare; and the other in the execution of justice, to punish crimes: and no other but Princes and magistrates have power of life and death.”

On factions and special interests:

“I know that in my court, as in the courts of all princes, there are divisions and secret hatreds. I am always careful to discriminate between those who advise me from affection for my service and welfare of my subjects, and those who advise me for other reasons.”

On arming during peacetime:

“I find it well to be prepared. In times of danger it is the custom of England to arm. If we are well prepared you will be the less tempted to meddle with us.”

On preemptive action against enemies:

“It is my duty to put an end to the evil designs of my enemies while it is in my power to do so, lest, by not doing it, I shall seem to tempt God’s mercy rather than manifest my trust in His protection.”

On being prepared for war:

“My peaceful government and security have not so lulled me to sleep that I have not made provision for any accident.”

On justice after a rebellion:

“Though we have always been more inclinable to mercy than severity, yet we doubt whether an example of justice being passed in the execution of a great number of the poorer sort there should be no greater example of justice upon the richer than four.”

On politicians:

“You are a lot of hare-brained politicians, unfit to decide such matters!”