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Yup, this has the scent of Machiavelli all over it.

Any man who tries to be good all the time is bound to come to ruin among the great number who are not good.
Niccolo Machiavelli

Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.
Niccolo Machiavelli

The lion cannot protect himself from traps, and the fox cannot defend himself from wolves. One must therefore be a fox to recognize traps, and a lion to frighten wolves.
Niccolo Machiavelli

There is nothing as likely to succeed as what the enemy believes you cannot attempt.
Niccolo Machiavelli

A government which does not trust its citizens to be armed is not itself to be trusted.
Niccolo Machiavelli

Make no small plans for they have no power to stir the soul.
Niccolo Machiavelli

Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage.
Niccolo Machiavelli

The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.
Niccolo Machiavelli

It is just as difficult and dangerous to try to free a people that wants to remain servile as it is to enslave a people that wants to remain free.
Niccolo Machiavelli

A prince ought to have two fears, one from within, on account of his subjects, the other from without, on account of external powers.
Niccolo Machiavelli

A sign of intelligence is an awareness of one’s own ignorance.
Niccolo Machiavelli

There is nothing more important than appearing to be religious.
Niccolo Machiavelli