Romans Quote by Machiavelli Niccolo
““...discontented inhabitants who willingly admit a foreign power either through excessive ambition or through fear, as was the case with the Etolians, who admitted the Romans into Greece. So it was with every province that the Romans entered: they were brought in by the inhabitants themselves.””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Prince, 1532
People often invite foreign domination when they seek power or fear, allowing conquerors to enter willingly.
In simple terms: Fear or ambition can cause societies to welcome invaders.
Beware of inviting external control.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- national policy
- colonial history
- modern geopolitics
- community decision making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What motives drive societies to accept external rule?
- How can communities protect autonomy?
Assumes all societies act uniformly; ignores resistance movements.