Men Great Quote by Niccolò Machiavelli
““Such men depend solely upon two very uncertain and unstable things: the will and the Fortune of him who granted them the state. But they do not know how, and are unable, to maintain their position. They do not know how to hold their state, since if men are not of great intelligence and virtue, it is not reasonable that they should know how to command, having always lived as private citizens.””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Prince, 1513
Leaders who rely only on personal will and luck lack the knowledge and virtue needed to sustain power.
In simple terms: Relying just on will and luck is insufficient for lasting rule.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate skill, virtue, and strategic insight.
Themes
politics
leadership
virtue
strategy
fortune
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- rulers
- political advisors
- military commanders
- administrators
Key Concepts
statecraft
human nature
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What role does luck play in modern leadership?
- How can leaders prepare for unforeseen challenges?
A Different Perspective
Even with skill, external forces can still destabilize rule.
