"The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him."
"That prince is highly esteemed who conveys this impression of himself, and he who is highly esteemed is not easily conspired against; for, provided it is well known that he is an excellent man and revered by his people, he can only be attacked with difficulty."
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Source: Niccolo Machiavelli (2010). “The Prince”, p.76, FastPencil Inc
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