--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The Prince who establishes himself in a…" description: "\"“The Prince who establishes himself in a Province whose laws and language differ from those of his own people, ought also to make himself the head and ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/29b/niccolo-machiavelli-368_quote_the-prince-who-establishes-himself-in-a_124253.jpg" --- # The Prince who establishes himself in a Province whose… ![“The Prince who establishes himself in a Province whose laws and language differ from those of his own people, ought also to make himself the head and protector of his feebler neighbours, and endeavour to weaken the stronger, and must see that by no accident shall any other stranger as powerful as…” quote by Niccolò Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/29b/niccolo-machiavelli-368_quote_the-prince-who-establishes-himself-in-a_124253.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/29b/niccolo-machiavelli-368_quote_the-prince-who-establishes-himself-in-a_124253.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/29b/niccolo-machiavelli-368_quote_the-prince-who-establishes-himself-in-a_124253.jpg) > ““The Prince who establishes himself in a Province whose laws and language differ from those of his own people, ought also to make himself the head and protector of his feebler neighbours, and endeavour to weaken the stronger, and must see that by no accident shall any other stranger as powerful as himself find an entrance there. For it will always happen that some such person will be called in by those of the Province who are discontented either through ambition or fear; as we see of old the Romans brought into Greece by the Aetolians, and in every other country that they entered, invited there by its inhabitants. And the usual course of things is that so soon as a formidable stranger enters a Province, all the weaker powers side with him, moved thereto by the ill-will they bear towards him who has hitherto kept them in subjection. So that in respect of these lesser powers, no trouble is needed to gain them over, for at once, together, and of their own accord, they throw in their lot with the government of the stranger. The new Prince, therefore, has only to see that they do not increase too much in strength, and with his own forces, aided by their good will, can easily subdue any who are powerful, so as to remain supreme in the Province. He who does not manage this matter well, will soon lose whatever he has gained, and while he retains it will find in it endless troubles and annoyances.”” [Niccolò 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. A ruler should manipulate local elites to secure power, preventing stronger strangers from gaining influence, while keeping subordinate groups weak and dependent. **In simple terms:** Control locals to prevent stronger rivals. Key Takeaway Divide and rule maintains dominance. Themes Power Politics Manipulation Strategy Mood Strategic Cynical Type Political treatise Strategic advice When to use this quote - Corporate mergers - Colonial administration - Political coalition building - Organizational restructuring Key Concepts Realpolitik Statecraft Practical Applications - Identify and co‑opt key influencers - Balance power to avoid external threats Questions to Reflect On - When does manipulation become unsustainable? - How can leaders balance control with legitimacy? A Different Perspective Such tactics can breed resentment and long‑term instability. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet ## Related quotes > [Of a new Prince, new bondage.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-herbert/of-a-new-prince-new-bondage/) [George Herbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-herbert/) > [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/) > [“Don't be cross with me, Max." Her smile was too sweet. She set a hand on her stomach. 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For it will always happen that some such person will be called in by those of the Province who are discontented either through ambition or fear; as we see of old the Romans brought into Greece by the Aetolians, and in every other country that they entered, invited there by its inhabitants. And the usual course of things is that so soon as a formidable stranger enters a Province, all the weaker powers side with him, moved thereto by the ill-will they bear towards him who has hitherto kept them in subjection. So that in respect of these lesser powers, no trouble is needed to gain them over, for at once, together, and of their own accord, they throw in their lot with the government of the stranger. The new Prince, therefore, has only to see that they do not increase too much in strength, and with his own forces, aided by their good will, can easily subdue any who are powerful, so as to remain supreme in the Province. 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