Accustomed Quote by Niccolo Machiavelli
![“Some princes, so as to hold securely the state, have disarmed their subjects, others have kept their subject towns distracted by factions...Our forefathers, and those who were reckoned wise, were accustomed to say that it was necessary to hold Pistoia [an Italian city] by factions and Pisa by…” quote by Niccolo Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/670/niccolo-machiavelli-368_accustomed_some-princes-so-as-to-hold-securely-the_1939657.jpg)
“Some princes, so as to hold securely the state, have disarmed their subjects, others have kept their subject towns distracted by factions...Our forefathers, and those who were reckoned wise, were accustomed to say that it was necessary to hold Pistoia [an Italian city] by factions and Pisa by fortress, and with this idea they fostered quarrels in some of their tributary towns so as to keep possession of them the more easily.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Prince, 1532
Rulers maintain control by fostering division among subjects, using factions as a tool to prevent unified opposition.
In simple terms: Divide to rule and keep power.
Key Takeaway
Use controlled conflict to secure authority.
Themes
politics
power
control
division
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
philosophical
strategic
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- colonial administration
- corporate management
- community organizing
Key Concepts
statecraft
social engineering
strategic governance
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it ethical to manipulate divisions?
- How can leaders balance control with unity?
A Different Perspective
Dividing can breed long‑term instability and resentment.
![“Oh, my dear Kepler, how I wish that we could have one hearty laugh together. Here, at Padua, is the principal professor of philosophy, whom I have repeatedly and urgently requested to look at the moon and planets through my glass, [telescope] which he pertinaciously refuses to do. Why are you not…” quote by Galileo Galilei](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/galileo-galilei-2377_argument_oh-my-dear-kepler-how-i-wish-that-we-cou_2820576.jpg)
