"The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him."
"Whoever takes it upon himself to establish a commonwealth and prescribe laws must presuppose all men naturally bad, and that they will yield to their innate evil passions as often as they can do so with safety."
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Source: The Prince. Book by Niccolo Machiavelli, Chapter 14, 1513.
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