(off topic) From "The Prince," written by Nicolo Machiavelli in
A.D. 1513 and considered by more than a few as the definitive
guide to the maintenance of political power by any given ruler:
(As testimony to this book's importance in the affairs of men,
Adolph Hitler, during his time, is said to have always kept a
well-worn copy of "The Prince" at his bedside.)
(XVIII:27-30)... a wise leader cannot and should not keep
his word when keeping it is not to his advantage or when
the reasons that made him give it are no longer valid.
(XVIII:54-57) It is good to appear clement, trustworthy,
humane, religious, and honest, and also to be so, but al-
ways with the mind so disposed that, when the occasion
arises not to be so, you can become the opposite.
(XVIII:78-83) In actions of all men and especially of
princes, where there is no court of appeal, the end is
all that counts. Let a prince then concern himself with
the acquisition or the maintenance of a state; the means
employed will always be considered honorable and
praised by all, for the mass of mankind is always
swayed by appearances and the outcome of an
enterprise.
(III:111-114) one...must make himself a leader and
defender of his less powerful neighbors and strive to
weaken the stronger ones...
(XIX:13-15)... a prince will be despised if he is con-
sidered changeable, frivolous...cowardly, or irresolute...
(MCMXCVIII:21&50)... though the cause be justified,
a prince should arrange to bomb his enemies when caught
in a lie and with his pants down, and, especially, to divert
attention from far more serious instances of malfeasance
and criminality...
N.B.- This last attribution may be apocryphal, according
to some students of Machiavelli. |
