Destroyed Quote by Niccolo Machiavelli
“Men ought either to be indulged or utterly destroyed, for if you merely offend them they take vengeance, but if you injure them greatly they are unable to retaliate, so that the injury done to a man ought to be such that vengeance cannot be feared.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Prince, Niccolò Machiavelli, 1532
A ruler should either fully satisfy or completely neutralize a threat, avoiding partial offenses that provoke retaliation.
In simple terms: Deal decisively with opponents, not half‑measures.
Key Takeaway
Choose decisive action over half‑hearted measures.
Themes
politics
power
conflict
strategy
Mood
cautious
strategic
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- military planning
- political negotiations
- leadership decisions
Key Concepts
realpolitik
deterrence
control
Questions to Reflect On
- Is total domination always sustainable?
- When might leniency be more effective?
A Different Perspective
Overly harsh tactics can breed long‑term resentment.
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