King Quote by Niccolò Machiavelli
““There are many who think a wise prince ought, when he has the chance, to foment astutely some enmity, so that by suppressing it he will augment his greatness.””
About This Quote
Source Treat: The Prince, 1532
A ruler may deliberately create enemies to later eliminate them, thereby strengthening his power.
In simple terms: Creating foes can boost authority.
Key Takeaway
Use conflict strategically.
Themes
politics
power
strategy
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- political maneuvering
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
statecraft
conflict management
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it ethical to provoke opposition?
- What are the risks of manufactured conflict?
A Different Perspective
Such tactics can breed mistrust and instability.
