"The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him."
"Therefore, in order not to have to rob his subjects, to be able to defend himself, not to become poor and contemptible, and not to be forced to become rapacious, a prince must consider it of little importance if he incurs the name of miser, for this is one of the vices that permits him to rule."
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Source: The Portable Machiavelli.
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