Machiavelli: Philosophy in an Hour

as a byword for evil.

Old Nick,’ a popular name for the devil, derives directly from Niccolò Machiavelli.

‘If sometimes you need to conceal a fact with words, do so in such a way that it does not become known. Or, if it does become known, make sure you have a ready and quick defense.’

the unarmed prophet perishes’. M

Their nature urges them to desire all things, but fate permits them to enjoy but a few things. This results in a permanent state of discontent, and causes them to despise what they possess.’

a psychological explanation for this: ‘The desires of men are insatiable.

Men are ungrateful, fickle cowards, greedy and envious.

success or failure lies in conforming to the times’.

essentially masculine, fortuna as feminine.

Machiavelli understands virtù as