Always deny what you don’t want to be known, and always affirm what you want to be believed. For, though there be much – even conclusive – evidence to the contrary, a fervent affirmation or denial will often create at least some doubt in the mind of your listener. (Series C, 37)
I guess early modern Europe wasn’t very different from the present after all…
For other maxims from Guicciardini, see here and here.
Filed as: Maxims, Guicciardini and lies
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