@narsinx1: Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527) believed that reality, not romance, should guide major decisions. A man with empty pockets, he would argue, must first secure stability before binding another life to his own, because need can strain affection and turn love into obligation. Better to strengthen oneself first, then choose freely rather than out of necessity. Are you choosing love-or escaping hardship through it? #Machiavelli #ThePrince #PowerDynamics #Manipulation #stoicism