Niccolò Machiavelli

Principles are our summary of their public statements.

• Control the narrative during chaos

  Management

  In moments of public unrest, be the first to frame the cause of the trouble to an authority figure to turn them against your rivals.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source History of Florence and of the Affairs of Italy: From the Earliest Times to the Death of Lorenzo the Magnificent  (opens in a new tab)

• Moderate harsh laws to prevent revolt

  Management

  Extreme measures against a specific group often lead to unity among the oppressed and eventual violent backlash.

  Supporting quotes

  • “it is an injudicious step to drive men to desperation, for he who is without hope is also without fear”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Beware of weaponized bureaucracy

  Management

  Vague laws that allow officials to 'admonish' or exclude others based on discretion will inevitably be used for personal gain.

  Supporting quotes

  • “Nor is it possible for a republic to enact a law more pernicious than one relating to matters which have long transpired.”

• Act while the iron is hot

  Strategy

  Public sentiment is fleeting and can change over trivial matters, so leaders must execute their plans while the current mood favors them.

  Supporting quotes

  • “He then blamed himself for having confided too much in a people who may be excited and inflamed by every word, motion, and breath of suspicion.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Address Rival Influence Early

  Competition

  It is much easier to manage a rising competitor when they first appear than after they have gained significant public support.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source History of Florence and of the Affairs of Italy: From the Earliest Times to the Death of Lorenzo the Magnificent  (opens in a new tab)

• Generosity Without Solicitation

  Mindset

  True influence is built by proactively helping others before they are forced to ask for assistance.

  Supporting quotes

  • “He never sought the honors of government; yet enjoyed them all; and never went to the palace unless by request.”

• Cruelty destroys future cooperation

  Strategy

  Betraying the trust of those who surrender or offer partnership ensures that others will be deterred from submitting to your authority in the future.

  Supporting quotes

  • “he well knew how difficult and dangerous a thing it was to serve an unruly people and a divided city, for the one listens to every report, the other pursues improper measures”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Avoid creating a worse successor

  Leadership

  Removing a powerful leader may simply clear the path for a more tyrannical or less competent one, resulting in a net loss for the organization.

  Source History of Florence and of the Affairs of Italy: From the Earliest Times to the Death of Lorenzo the Magnificent  (opens in a new tab)