I am firmly convinced, therefore, that to set up a…
“I am firmly convinced, therefore, that to set up a republic which is to last a long time, the way to set about it is to constitute it as Sparta and Venice were constituted; to place it in a strong position, and so to fortify it that no one will dream of taking it by a sudden assault; and, on the other hand, not to make it so large as to appear formidable to its neighbors. It should in this way be able to enjoy its form of government for a long time. For war is made on a commonwealth for two reasons: to subjugate it, and for fear of being subjugated by it.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A stable republic should be modest, fortified, and not too powerful to provoke neighbors.
In simple terms: Small, strong, and secure states endure.
Key Takeaway
Design compact, defensible governments.
Themes
politics
statecraft
security
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- constitutional design
- defense policy
- foreign relations
Key Concepts
republic
fortification
balance of power
Questions to Reflect On
- What size is optimal for your organization?
- How can you balance strength and humility?
A Different Perspective
Too much strength can invite aggression; size matters.