--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Some princes, so as to hold securely the…" description: "\"Some princes, so as to hold securely the state, have disarmed their subjects, others have kept their subject towns distracted by factions...Our forefat..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/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… ![“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/i/670/niccolo-machiavelli-368_accustomed_some-princes-so-as-to-hold-securely-the_1939657.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/670/niccolo-machiavelli-368_accustomed_some-princes-so-as-to-hold-securely-the_1939657.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/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.” [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. 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. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Accustomed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/accustomed/) [Cities](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cities/) [Distracted](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/distracted/) [Distracted Factions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/distracted-factions-3082989/) [Factions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/factions/) [Forefathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/forefathers/) [Fortresses](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fortresses/) [Fostered Quarrels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fostered-quarrels-3082991/) [Hold Pistoia](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hold-pistoia-3082990/) [Ideas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideas/) [Italian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/italian/) [Pisa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pisa/) [Possession](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/possession/) [Princes Hold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/princes-hold-3082988/) [Quarrels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/quarrels/) [States](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/states/) [Subjects](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/subjects/) [Subjects Kept](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/subjects-kept-3082992/) [Towns](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/towns/) [Wise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wise/) ## Related quotes > [(Jace) "Is there anything special you want to see? 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