Francesco Guicciardini quotes

Born
6 March 1483, Florence, Republic of Florence.

Died
22 May 1540.

Occupation
Historian, statesman.

Francesco Guicciardini was an Italian historian and statesman.

Let no one trust so entirely to natural prudence as to persuade himself that it will suffice to guide him without help from experience.
– Francesco Guicciardini

The return we reap from generous actions is not always evident.
– Francesco Guicciardini

By numberless examples it will evidently appear that human affairs are as subject to change and fluctuation as the waters of the sea agitated by the winds.
– Francesco Guicciardini

There is nothing so fleeting as the memory of benefits received.
– Francesco Guicciardini

Affairs that depend on many rarely succeed.
– Francesco Guicciardini

It is a great matter to be in authority over others; for authority, if it be rightly used, will make you feared beyond your actual resources.
– Francesco Guicciardini

Ambition is not in itself an evil; nor is he to be condemned whose spirit prompts him to seek fame by worthy and honourable ways.
– Francesco Guicciardini

Since there is nothing so well worth having as friends, never lose a chance to make them.
– Francesco Guicciardini

…be more guided by hope than fear.
– Francesco Guicciardini

Waste no time with revolutions that do not remove the causes of your complaints but simply change the faces of those in charge.
– Francesco Guicciardini

One who imitates what is bad always goes beyond his model; while one who imitates what is good always comes up short of it.
– Francesco Guicciardini