"Hatred is gained as much by good works as by evil"

The quote suggests that showing compassion and performing good deeds may not necessarily avoid somebody from being hated. Machiavelli might be recommending that people can be hated not just for their bad deeds, but likewise for their kind deeds which might be viewed as insincere or manipulative. This concept lines up with Machiavelli's belief that people are naturally self-centered and can be quickly swayed by power and self-interest.