Machiavelli Self Interest Quotes & Sayings

For love is held by the tie of obligation, which, because men are a sorry breed, is broken on every whisper of private interest; but fear is bound by the apprehension of punishment which never relaxes its grasp. — Niccolo Machiavelli

Therefore, a prudent ruler ought not to keep faith when by so doing it would be against his interest, and when the reasons which made him bind himself no longer exist. If men were all good, this precept would not be a good one; but as they are bad, and would not observe their faith with you, so you are not bound to keep faith with them. — Niccolo Machiavelli

(A ruler) cannot and should not keep his word when to do so would go against his interests or when the reason he pledged it no longer holds. — Niccolo Machiavelli