Axiom Quote by Niccolò Machiavelli
““Whence we may draw the general axiom, which never or rarely errs, that he who is the cause of another’s greatness is himself undone, since he must work either by address or force, each of which excites distrust in the person raised to power.””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Prince, 1532
Leaders who elevate others risk being undermined because they must use either coercion or persuasion, which breeds distrust.
In simple terms: Helping others can weaken a ruler’s power.
Key Takeaway
Balance influence with integrity.
Themes
politics
leadership
trust
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- corporate management
- political campaigns
- team leadership
Key Concepts
power dynamics
ethical governance
Questions to Reflect On
- When does empowering others threaten authority?
- How can leaders maintain trust while delegating?
A Different Perspective
Excessive humility may invite exploitation.
