Skip to content

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.” quote by Machiavelli Niccolo
Download Open image
““...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.””

Machiavelli Niccolo

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.

Key Takeaway

Beware of inviting external control.

Themes

politics power foreign influence societal dynamics

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

historical political

When to use this quote

  • national policy
  • colonial history
  • modern geopolitics
  • community decision making

Key Concepts

Machiavellian realism political strategy social psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What motives drive societies to accept external rule?
  • How can communities protect autonomy?
A Different Perspective

Assumes all societies act uniformly; ignores resistance movements.

4.4 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Machiavelli Niccolo

Explore all 7 Machiavelli Niccolo quotes

More Romans quotes

Browse all 273 Romans quotes