5 phrases from Niccolò Machiavelli

Niccolò Machiavelli is known as an important philosopher and his figure is usually framed within the Italian Renaissance. But, he was also a diplomat, official and writer with considerable notoriety. Throughout this article we will discover some phrases from Nicolás Machiavelli that will allow us to get closer to his way of thinking in order to get to know him better.

However, if you have not read anything about him, we recommend his book Prince, a treatise on political doctrine that was published years after the philosopher’s death. If we like politics and the approach that can be given to it from philosophy, without a doubt, this book written by what is considered the father of modern Political Science will be a delight.

1. There are always difficulties in the objectives

This first of Nicolás Machiavelli’s phrases allows us to reflect on the fear that sometimes prevents us from taking action to achieve certain goals or objectives. We are talking about a fear that produces paralysis and, therefore, few people manage to carry out what they have in mind.

For this reason, Machiavelli reminds us that In the biggest milestones there has always been a risk. A risk that he calls danger and that, therefore, demands an exercise in courage and perseverance. If there are difficulties, this will allow us to grow and learn along the way.

2. Appearances are deceiving

This is extremely important because, many times, We are not aware that, to improve the image we project, we buy a mask and we put it on. Isn’t it true that we don’t behave the same with our siblings as we do with our boss at work? Why do people think we are shy and withdrawn when those we are confident with would never put these labels on us?

Sometimes, we get frustrated because we can’t get those around us to see us for who we are. This is hard. Our parents and our brothers have lived with us since we were little, they have known us in our good and bad times. But what about the others? Perhaps a good part of this feeling of incomprehension derives from these masks..

3. Taking action is always better

This third of Nicolás Machiavelli’s phrases deals with a very important topic and allows us to return to the fear that we talked about previously. That fear that prevails in our lives and prevents us from doing what we want.

The limits that we set for ourselves on more than one occasion, if we saw them from another perspective we would discover that we can cross them without any problem. These only exist in our minds and, perhaps, are much more harmful than all the physical limits we may have.

4. Everything in its right measure

Who has ever realized that they have gone to some extreme? When we trust someone excessively, this can prevent us from seeing that they are trying to manipulate us to achieve their goals.

Likewise, as Machiavelli rightly points out, trusting someone excessively is not okay either, since the disappointments we may experience when meeting people with the profile we have defined can lead us to the other extreme: that of intolerance.

5. Changes open doors

This last of Nicolás Machiavelli’s phrases tells us about the changes and the importance they have. Nowadays, we tend to fear them, believing that what is already known is better than what may come, precisely because of the uncertainty that surrounds every future.

Nevertheless, Whenever there is a change there is an opening for others to follow. Despite the uncertainty they may cause us, these are necessary. Even changes in ourselves are essential. Do we imagine ourselves being the same people, thinking the same and following similar patterns of behavior throughout our lives?

We hope that all these phrases from Nicolás Machiavelli have allowed you not only to reflect, but also to get closer to the way of thinking that this philosopher has. In case you want to delve deeper into it, we once again recommend the book Prince that we already mentioned at the beginning or some of the documents that we leave you in the bibliography.

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