Niccolò Machiavelli

Niccolò Machiavelli (3 May 1469 – 21 June 1527) was an Italian diplomat, author, philosopher, historian, political theorist, playwright, and poet. 

Machiavelli was born in Florence, Italy, in 1469, into a middle-class family. He studied classical literature and philosophy at the University of Florence. In 1498, he was appointed secretary to the Second Chancery of the Florentine Republic, a position he held for 14 years. During this time, he gained extensive experience in politics and diplomacy.

Machiavelli was a pragmatist and realist who believed that political power should be used to achieve the ends of the state, regardless of morality. His most famous work, The Prince, is a treatise on political power that outlines the strategies and tactics that a ruler can use to acquire and maintain power. The Prince is one of the most influential works of political philosophy ever written.

Machiavelli's other works include The Discourses on Livy, a history of the Roman Republic, The Art of War, a treatise on military strategy, and Mandragola, a comedy.

Machiavelli died in Florence in 1527, at the age of 58. He is considered one of the most important figures of the Renaissance.

Here are some of Machiavelli's most famous quotes:

• "Necessity is the mother of all invention."

• "It is better to be feared than loved."

• "Men are more disposed to be governed by fear than by love."

• "There is no more dangerous person than one who is ignorant and believes himself to be wise."

• "Princes must learn the art of deception."