…[The only way to guard oneself from flatterers is by] letting men understand that telling you the truth doesn’t offend you. However, when every one is allowed to tell you the truth, the respect for you lessens.
Therefore, a wise prince should hold a third course by choosing the wise men in his state, and giving only them the freedom of speaking the truth to him, and only on those things that he inquires of, and of none others. But he [the prince] should question them upon everything, listen to their opinions, and then form his own conclusions.
With these councilors… [the prince] should carry himself in a way that will let each one of them understand that the more freely he [the councilor] speaks, the more he will be preferred. Outside of these [councilors], he [the prince] should listen to no one, and pursue what is resolved on, and be firm in his resolutions. He who does otherwise is either overthrown by flatterers, or is so frequently changed by varying opinions that he falls into being disrespected [by the people].
A prince, therefore, ought always to seek guidance, but only when he wishes and not when others wish; he ought rather to discourage every one from offering advice unless he asks it. However, he ought to be a constant inquirer, and afterwards a patient listener concerning the things of which he inquired. And additionally, on learning that any one, on any consideration, has not told him the truth, he should let his anger be felt.