"Princes and governments are far more dangerous than other elements within society"
- Niccolo Machiavelli
About this Quote
This quote by Niccolo Machiavelli recommends that governments and rulers are more harmful than other elements of society. He is indicating that federal governments and rulers have the power to cause more harm than any other group or individual. This is since they have the authority to make laws and impose them, along with the capability to use force to keep order. Machiavelli is warning that federal governments and rulers must be held to a greater requirement of responsibility and must be kept an eye on closely to ensure that they are not abusing their power. He is likewise recommending that residents must understand the capacity for abuse of power and must be watchful in securing their rights and freedoms. Ultimately, Machiavelli is emphasizing the importance of holding federal governments and rulers accountable for their actions and guaranteeing that they are not abusing their power.
"Having soon discovered to be great, I must appear so, and therefore studiously avoided mixing in society, and wrapped myself in mystery, devoting my time to fasting and prayer"
"Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future"