Change Quote by Niccolò Machiavelli
““He, therefore, who acquires such a State, if he mean to keep it, must see to two things; first, that the blood of the ancient line of Princes be destroyed; second, that no change be made in respect of laws or taxes; for in this way the newly acquired State speedily becomes incorporated with the hereditary.””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Prince, 1532
A ruler must eliminate old dynastic blood and keep laws unchanged to secure a newly acquired state.
In simple terms: New rulers must erase old lines and keep laws steady.
Key Takeaway
Stabilize power through decisive actions.
Themes
politics
power
stability
Mood
cautionary
strategic
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- conquest
- government formation
- legal reform
Key Concepts
statecraft
legitimacy
Questions to Reflect On
- Is preserving old laws always wise?
- What are the moral costs?
A Different Perspective
Risk of stagnation and rebellion.
