"The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him."
"We must bear in mind, then, that there is nothing more difficult and dangerous, or more doubtful of success, than an attempt to introduce a new order of things in any state. For the innovator has for enemies all those who derived advantages from the old order of things, whilst those who expect to be benefited by the new institutions will be but lukewarm defenders."
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Source: Niccolo Machiavelli (2009). “The Essential Writings of Machiavelli”, p.456, Modern Library
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