For this reason a prince ought to take care that he never lets anything slip from his lips that is not replete with the above-named five qualities, that he may appear to him who sees and hears him altogether merciful, faithful, humane, upright, and religious. There is nothing more necessary to appear to have than this last quality, inasmuch as men judge generally more by the eye than by the hand, because it belongs to everybody to see you, to few to come in touch with you. Every one sees what you appear to be, few really know what you are, and those few dare not oppose themselves to the opinion of the many, who have the majesty of the state to defend them; and in the actions of all men, and especially of princes, which it is not prudent to challenge, one judges by the result.Anonymous
About This Quote
In this quote, Niccolo Machiavelli is giving a warning to a prince. He is telling him that he should always appear to be a great man. If he does not, people will not see him as a great man and many of his actions will be questioned. So, the prince must make sure that he does not let anything slip from his lips that is not replete with the above-mentioned qualities. He must appear to be merciful, faithful, humane, upright and religious.
Source: The Prince
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