The best fortress which a prince can possess is the affection of his people. The sinews of war are not gold, but good soldiers.Īmong other evils which being unarmed brings you, it causes you to be despised. to recognize the traps and a lion to frighten the wolves. Men should either be treated generously or destroyed, because they take revenge for slight injures - for heavy ones they cannot. So far as he is able, a prince should stick to the path of good but, if the necessity arises, he should know how to follow evil. The princes who have done great things are the ones who have taken little account of their promises. Since love and fear can hardly coexist together, if we must choose between them, it is far safer to be feared than loved. War is the greatest plague that can affect humanity it destroys religion, it destroys states, it destroys families. A trusty shield and weapon.įaith must trample under foot all reason, sense, and understanding. It is better to live one day as a lion than a hundred years as a sheep.ĭo you know, my son, with what little understanding the world is ruled?Ī safe stronghold our God is still. The strength of God will enable us, a small but faithful band, to overcome the multitude of the faithless. Gerard of Ridefort, letter written to King Guy And if you retreat from this attack the shame and reproach will be very great. If you do not leave this pasturage, Saladin will come and attack you here. The most disadvantageous peace is better than the most just war.
War is delightful to those who have had no experience of it. Geoffrey Chaucer, Canterbury Tales, The Knights Taleįollowing the light of the sun, we left the Old World. The fields have eyes, and the woods have ears. In order for a war to be just, three things are necessary. Kill them all, God will recognise his own.
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