Niccolo Machiavelli. (№ 452029)

However, many believe that a wise sovereign himself should, when circumstances permit, skillfully create enemies for himself, so that, having gained the upper hand over them, appear in even greater greatness. Often, sovereigns, especially new ones, eventually become convinced that people more devoted and useful to them are those whom they did not trust at first. Pandolfo Petrucci, the ruler of Siena, ruled his state, relying more on those whom he had previously doubted than on all others.