I read this this morning in The Prince. Not to be confused with The Little Prince.
"To be a great liar and dissimulator is of primary importance because many men are simpleminded and allow themselves to be easily deceived. Alexander VI did nothing but deceive everyone during his whole life, and yet he succeeded in everything, for he was well acquainted with this aspect of life. Therefore it is not necessary to have all the good qualities mentioned above, but it is highly necessary that the prince appear to have them: for instance to seem to be pitiful, faithful, human, religious, at the same time being ready and knowing how to change to the contrary when it is convenient to do so. "
"In order to maintain his state, a prince is often obliged to act against faith, charity, humanity, and religion, but when he is seen and heard he should appear infused with all these good qualities since men in general judge more by they they see than by what they feel. Everyone sees what the prince seems to be, few know what he really is, and those few do not dare to oppose the opinion of the majority. "
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