The Prince

New principalities present challenges including the need to integrate different populations and customs.

A wise man ought always to follow the paths beaten by great men.

A prince can gain them to himself and secure them much more easily.

In republics there is more vitality, greater hatred, and more desire for vengeance.

Such principalities are only secure and happy.

It was necessary, therefore, to Moses that he should find the people of Israel in Egypt enslaved and oppressed by the Egyptians, in order that they should be disposed to follow him so as to be delivered out of bondage.

Let him act like the clever archers who, designing to hit the mark which yet appears too far distant, and knowing the limits to which the strength of their bow attains, take aim much higher than the mark.

When cities or countries are accustomed to live under a prince, and his family is exterminated, they, being on the one hand accustomed to obey and on the other hand not having the old prince, cannot agree in making one from amongst themselves.

Those who by valorous ways become princes, like these men, acquire a principality with difficulty, but they keep it with ease.

The innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under the old conditions, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new.