“I worry that when you start quoting Machiavelli to justify your actions, you have ceased to be one of the good guys.No, quoting Nietzsche does that. Machiavelli is just cool.”

“It's better to be loved than feared, but if you can't be loved, then fear will do.-Dino quoting Machiavelli”

“But theological change happens though selective quoting. Every religious person does it: You quote those verses that resonate with your own religious insights and ignore or reinterpret those that undermine your certainties. Selective quoting isn't just legitimate, but essential: Religions evolve through shifts in selective quoting.”

“A man of nothing who has started out from nothing starting out from an unassignable place: these are, for Machiavelli, the conditions for regeneration.”

“I need something dramatic.I thought we would start with something theatrical, something that will make an impact on the city,something to focus their attention."Nereus considered for a moment and then he smiled, revealing his hideous teeth. "I do have the Lotan."Machiavelli and Billy looked at him blankly. "The Lotan," Nereus said. The two immortals shook their heads. "I have no idea what that is," Machiavelli admitted."Doesn't sound scary to me," Billy said."It's a seven-headed sea dragon."Machiavelli nodded. "That might work.""It'll certainly get their attention," Billy muttered.”

“Simon called you 'Machiavelli disguised as a debutante.'" "Gosh," I said, not sure whether to feel flattered or insulted.”