Ideas of Niccolo Machiavelli, by Theme
[Italian, 1469 - 1527, Born and died in Florence. Worked for the Medici family in Florence. Driven into exile.]
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23. Ethics / B. Contract Ethics / 3. Promise Keeping
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7127
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If men are good you should keep promises, but they aren't, so you needn't
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24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 3. Constitutions
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6309
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The principle foundations of all states are good laws and good armies
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24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 2. Leaders / c. Despotism
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6305
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To retain a conquered state, wipe out the ruling family, and preserve everything else
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6308
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A sensible conqueror does all his harmful deeds immediately, because people soon forget
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6306
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People are vengeful, so be generous to them, or destroy them
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25. Social Practice / E. Policies / 1. War / a. Just wars
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6307
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A desire to conquer, and men who do it, are always praised, or not blamed
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25. Social Practice / E. Policies / 2. Religion in Society
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7486
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Machiavelli emancipated politics from religion [Watson]
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19813
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All legislators invoke God in support of extraordinary laws, because their justification is not obvious
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7126
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Rulers should preserve the foundations of religion, to ensure good behaviour and unity
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