--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: No enterprise is more likely to succeed…" description: "\"No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it is ripe for execution.\" — Niccolo Machiavelli" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e92/niccolo-machiavelli-368_business_no-enterprise-is-more-likely-to-succeed_515490.jpg" --- # No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed… ![“No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it is ripe for execution.” quote by Niccolo Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e92/niccolo-machiavelli-368_business_no-enterprise-is-more-likely-to-succeed_515490.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e92/niccolo-machiavelli-368_business_no-enterprise-is-more-likely-to-succeed_515490.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e92/niccolo-machiavelli-368_business_no-enterprise-is-more-likely-to-succeed_515490.jpg) > “No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it is ripe for execution.” [Niccolo Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niccolo-machiavelli/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Successful enterprises must stay hidden until they are fully prepared to act, avoiding enemy detection. **In simple terms:** Keep plans secret until ready to execute. Key Takeaway Maintain secrecy until the right moment. Themes strategy secrecy politics Mood cautious strategic Type political military When to use this quote - military campaigns - business launches - political maneuvers - product releases Key Concepts Machiavellian tactics timing risk management Questions to Reflect On - When is secrecy more harmful than helpful? - How do you balance secrecy with stakeholder trust? A Different Perspective Secrecy can hinder collaboration and transparency. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Business](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/business/) [Enemy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enemy/) [Enterprise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enterprise/) [Execution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/execution/) ## Related quotes > [“No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it is ripe for execution. Nothing is of greater importance…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niccolo-machiavelli/no-enterprise-is-more-likely-to-succeed-than-one-concealed-from-the-2/) [Niccolò Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niccolo-machiavelli/) > [No proceeding is better than that which you have concealed from the enemy until the time you have executed it. To know how to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niccolo-machiavelli/no-proceeding-is-better-than-that-which-you-have-concealed-from-the/) [Niccolo Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niccolo-machiavelli/) > [“The secret to keeping one's actions concealed from the enemy is, in most cases, to learn what he thinks you will do, and then…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susanna-kearsley-author/the-secret-to-keeping-one-s-actions-concealed-from-the-enemy-is-in/) Susanna Kearsley (Author > [If you want to keep something concealed from your enemy, don't disclose it to your friend.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solomon-ibn-gabirol/if-you-want-to-keep-something-concealed-from-your-enemy-don-t/) [Solomon Ibn Gabirol](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/solomon-ibn-gabirol/) > [There is nothing as likely to succeed as what the enemy believes you cannot attempt.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niccolo-machiavelli/there-is-nothing-as-likely-to-succeed-as-what-the-enemy-believes-you/) [Niccolo Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niccolo-machiavelli/) > [A prince, therefore, must not mind incurring the charge of cruelty for the purpose of keeping his subjects united and confident; for, with a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niccolo-machiavelli/a-prince-therefore-must-not-mind-incurring-the-charge-of-cruelty-for/) [Niccolo Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niccolo-machiavelli/) > [When I graduated from Santa Monica High in 1927, I was voted the girl most likely to succeed. I didn't realize it would take…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gloria-stuart/when-i-graduated-from-santa-monica-high-in-1927-i-was-voted-the-girl/) [Gloria Stuart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gloria-stuart/) > [Every start on an untrodden path is a venture which only in unusual circumstances looks sensible and likely to succeed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-schweitzer/every-start-on-an-untrodden-path-is-a-venture-which-only-in-unusual/) [Albert Schweitzer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-schweitzer/) > [I believe we are most likely to succeed when ambition is focused on noble and worthy purposes and outcomes rather than on goals set…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wooden/i-believe-we-are-most-likely-to-succeed-when-ambition-is-focused-on/) [John Wooden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wooden/) > [I wish I could say I coined the phrase "failing forward." I do it all the time. I find as I've embraced this approach…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-c-maxwell/i-wish-i-could-say-i-coined-the-phrase-failing-forward-i-do-it-all/) [John C. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-c-maxwell/) > [“People who keep trying are more likely to succeed than those who give up.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/s-a-m-posey/people-who-keep-trying-are-more-likely-to-succeed-than-those-who-give/) S.A.M. Posey > [Those who speak up, those who use their connections, are more likely to succeed than those who sit and wait.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/madeleine-m-kunin/those-who-speak-up-those-who-use-their-connections-are-more-likely-to/) [Madeleine M. Kunin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/madeleine-m-kunin/) > [“The consistent and persistent man of average intelligence is more likely to succeed than an erratic and lazy genius.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/om-swami/the-consistent-and-persistent-man-of-average-intelligence-is-more/) [Om Swami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/om-swami/) > [“Have you ever helped anyone? Do you believe in help? If you can honestly answer yes to both questions, you’re more likely to succeed…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robin-sacredfire/have-you-ever-helped-anyone-do-you-believe-in-help-if-you-can/) [Robin Sacredfire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robin-sacredfire/) > [“Whatever circumstances life brings you, you will be more likely to succeed and find happiness if you take responsibility for making your decisions well…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ray-dalio/whatever-circumstances-life-brings-you-you-will-be-more-likely-to/) [Ray Dalio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ray-dalio/) ## More by Niccolo Machiavelli > [Men generally decide upon a middle course, which is most hazardous, for they know neither how to be entirely good nor entirely bad.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niccolo-machiavelli/men-generally-decide-upon-a-middle-course-which-is-most-hazardous-for/) [Niccolo Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niccolo-machiavelli/) > [Because there are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehend; and a third which neither comprehends…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niccolo-machiavelli/because-there-are-three-classes-of-intellects-one-which-comprehends/) [Niccolo Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niccolo-machiavelli/) > [It is the duty of a man of honor to teach others the good which he has not been able to do himself because…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niccolo-machiavelli/it-is-the-duty-of-a-man-of-honor-to-teach-others-the-good-which-he/) [Niccolo Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niccolo-machiavelli/) > [“Anyone who believes that new benefits make men of high station forget old injuries deceives himself.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niccolo-machiavelli/anyone-who-believes-that-new-benefits-make-men-of-high-station-forget/) [Niccolò Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niccolo-machiavelli/) > [He who has once begun to live by rapine always finds reasons for taking what is not his.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niccolo-machiavelli/he-who-has-once-begun-to-live-by-rapine-always-finds-reasons-for/) [Niccolo Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niccolo-machiavelli/) > [Everyone who wants to know what will happen ought to examine what has happened: everything in this world in any epoch has their replicas…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niccolo-machiavelli/everyone-who-wants-to-know-what-will-happen-ought-to-examine-what-has/) [Niccolo Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niccolo-machiavelli/) > [Speaking generally, men are ungrateful, fickle, hypocritical, fearful odanger and covetous ogain.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niccolo-machiavelli/speaking-generally-men-are-ungrateful-fickle-hypocritical-fearful/) [Niccolo Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niccolo-machiavelli/) > [There is nothing as likely to succeed as what the enemy believes you cannot attempt.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niccolo-machiavelli/there-is-nothing-as-likely-to-succeed-as-what-the-enemy-believes-you/) [Niccolo Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niccolo-machiavelli/) > [For the great majority of mankind are satisfied with appearance, as though they were realities and are often more influenced by the things that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niccolo-machiavelli/for-the-great-majority-of-mankind-are-satisfied-with-appearance-as/) [Niccolo Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niccolo-machiavelli/) > [That prince is highly esteemed who conveys this impression of himself, and he who is highly esteemed is not easily conspired against; for, provided…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niccolo-machiavelli/that-prince-is-highly-esteemed-who-conveys-this-impression-of-himself/) [Niccolo Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niccolo-machiavelli/) > [“Anyone who studies present and ancient affairs will easily see how in all cities and all peoples there still exist, and have always existed,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niccolo-machiavelli/anyone-who-studies-present-and-ancient-affairs-will-easily-see-how-in/) [Niccolò Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niccolo-machiavelli/) > [I believe that it is possible for one to praise, without concern, any man after he is dead since every reason and supervision for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niccolo-machiavelli/i-believe-that-it-is-possible-for-one-to-praise-without-concern-any/) [Niccolo Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niccolo-machiavelli/) > [Men are always averse to enterprises in which they foresee difficulties.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niccolo-machiavelli/men-are-always-averse-to-enterprises-in-which-they-foresee/) [Niccolo Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niccolo-machiavelli/) > [“He who causes another to become powerful ruins himself, for he brings such a power into being either by design or by force, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niccolo-machiavelli/he-who-causes-another-to-become-powerful-ruins-himself-for-he-brings/) [Niccolo Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niccolo-machiavelli/) > [One never finds anything perfectly pure and ... exempt from danger.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niccolo-machiavelli/one-never-finds-anything-perfectly-pure-and-exempt-from-danger/) [Niccolo Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niccolo-machiavelli/) [Explore all 590 Niccolo Machiavelli quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niccolo-machiavelli/) ## More Business quotes > [Companies with cultures that celebrate diverse opinions and encourage the exchange of ideas have an advantage when solving difficult problems. A company that doesn't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doug-mcmillon/companies-with-cultures-that-celebrate-diverse-opinions-and-encourage/) [Doug McMillon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doug-mcmillon/) > [You can laugh at me, but I understand show business.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ksenia-sobchak/you-can-laugh-at-me-but-i-understand-show-business/) [Ksenia Sobchak](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ksenia-sobchak/) > [“Start a business, not a startup”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/start-a-business-not-a-startup/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Take some books and read; that’s an immense help; and books are always good company if you have the right sort.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louisa-may-alcott/take-some-books-and-read-that-s-an-immense-help-and-books-are-always/) [Louisa May Alcott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louisa-may-alcott/) > [I'm a business first and foremost so whatever my business is, it's separate from my personal. It's like whatever I do business wise, it's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/snoop-dogg/i-m-a-business-first-and-foremost-so-whatever-my-business-is-it-s/) [Snoop Dogg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/snoop-dogg/) > [Many early-stage entrepreneurs make one simple mistake: Describing this 'big picture' in vague concepts and words.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sunil-nagaraj/many-early-stage-entrepreneurs-make-one-simple-mistake-describing/) [Sunil Nagaraj](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sunil-nagaraj/) > [Nobody has a crystal ball, and part of evolving a business plan is to say, 'I might have said we're going left, but I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ryan-kavanaugh/nobody-has-a-crystal-ball-and-part-of-evolving-a-business-plan-is-to/) [Ryan Kavanaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ryan-kavanaugh/) > [I think a business guy is different from an artist. They walk different paths. Artists create the best outputs when they're having fun. And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/g-dragon/i-think-a-business-guy-is-different-from-an-artist-they-walk/) [G-Dragon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/g-dragon/) > [ “\[S\]ometimes, when you are a food person, the possible irrelevance of what you are doing doesn’t cross your mind until it’s too late. (Once,… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nora-ephron/s-ometimes-when-you-are-a-food-person-the-possible-irrelevance-of/) [Nora Ephron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nora-ephron/) > [If you have a different mindset, you will have a different outcome: if you make different choices from your peers, your life will then…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-ma/if-you-have-a-different-mindset-you-will-have-a-different-outcome-if/) [Jack Ma](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-ma/) > [“Some say the Earth is angry Because he wants no company; I say the Earth is angry Because he lives alone.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/n-k-jemisin/some-say-the-earth-is-angry-because-he-wants-no-company-i-say-the/) [N.K. Jemisin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/n-k-jemisin/) > [ If the State does not acquire supremacy over \[vast private\] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bertrand-russell/if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy-over-vast-private-enterprises/) [Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bertrand-russell/) > [It's not just that families can't buy a home or start a business without some savings tucked away.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-cooper/it-s-not-just-that-families-can-t-buy-a-home-or-start-a-business/) [Jim Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-cooper/) > [I'm not into business at all.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/freddie-mercury/i-m-not-into-business-at-all/) [Freddie Mercury](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/freddie-mercury/) > [I've long believed one of the mainsprings of our own liberty has been the widespread ownership of property among our people and the expectation…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/i-ve-long-believed-one-of-the-mainsprings-of-our-own-liberty-has-been/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) [Browse all 39,016 Business quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/business/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it is ripe for execution.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Niccolo Machiavelli" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niccolo-machiavelli/no-enterprise-is-more-likely-to-succeed-than-one-concealed-from-the/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Business" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niccolo-machiavelli/no-enterprise-is-more-likely-to-succeed-than-one-concealed-from-the/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e92/niccolo-machiavelli-368_business_no-enterprise-is-more-likely-to-succeed_515490.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e92/niccolo-machiavelli-368_business_no-enterprise-is-more-likely-to-succeed_515490.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e92/niccolo-machiavelli-368_business_no-enterprise-is-more-likely-to-succeed_515490.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it is ripe for execution.” — Niccolo Machiavelli", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Niccolo Machiavelli", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niccolo-machiavelli/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "No enterprise is more likely to...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niccolo-machiavelli/no-enterprise-is-more-likely-to-succeed-than-one-concealed-from-the/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niccolo-machiavelli/no-enterprise-is-more-likely-to-succeed-than-one-concealed-from-the/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```