"The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him."
"One man should not be afraid of improving his posessions, lest they be taken away from him, or another deterred by high taxes from starting a new business. Rather, the Prince should be ready to reward men who want to do these things and those who endeavour in any way to increase the prosperity of their city or their state."
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Source: Memorable Quotations: Philosophers of Western Civilization. Book by Carol Dingle, p. 144, July 26, 2000.
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