"The nature of man is such that..." - Quote by Niccolo Machiavelli
The nature of man is such that people consider themselves put under an obligation as much by the benefits they confer as by those they receive.
More by Niccolo Machiavelli
“The state is not an organism capable of bringing either moral or material improvements to the populace...but merely a vehicle of power for the men and party in power.”
“Men generally decide upon a middle course, which is most hazardous, for they know neither how to be entirely good nor entirely bad.”
“Occasionally words must serve to veil the facts. But let this happen in such a way that no one become aware of it; or, if it should be noticed, excuses must be at hand to be produced immediately.”
More on Human Nature
More on Obligation
“We hold the moral obligation of providing for old age, helpless infancy, and poverty is far superior to that of supplying the invented wants of courtly extravagance.”
“In doing what we ought we deserve no praise, because it is our duty.”
“It is a dangerous experiment to call in gratitude as an ally to love. Love is a debt which inclination always pays, obligation never.”