How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Whatever you do, whatever measures you take, if the population hasn't been routed and dispersed so that its freedoms and traditions are quite forgotten, they will rise up to fight for those principles at the first opportunity; just as the Pisans did after a hundred years of Florentine dominion. (5.3)
Huh, so you have to use violence to prevent violence? Also, aren't we supposed to be on the side of people rising up against their oppressors?
Quote #2
Once he's done that and eliminated those who resented his achievements, so that people start to respect and admire him, then he can enjoy his power in safety and will live honoured and fulfilled. (6.7)
Since when did violence lead to safety, honor, and fulfillment? Is today opposite day?
Quote #3
Moses, Cyrus, Theseus and Romulus couldn't have got people to respect their new laws for long if they hadn't possessed armed force. (6.7)
All of these guys killed people that weren't exactly in their grand plan for ruling. Yep, even Moses. Machiavelli always has a slightly different take on things. But hey, like any good essay-writer, he backs up his thesis with examples from old and new history. Take note, Shmooptons: your teachers will love this.