10 Powerful Quotes From Machiavelli's "The Prince" To Become More Pragmatic
Machiavelli is a controversial figure. Machiavellian is a term derived from his name. Here are ten powerful quotes from Machiavelli's 'The Prince" to help you become more pragmatic.
Machiavelli’s ‘The Prince’ is a controversial book. It is a pivotal book of political philosophy. Machiavelli argues that the classical philosophers were wrong about many things, from human nature to the world's operation. He makes the case that it is essential to be pragmatic, understand what motivates people, and take control over fortune. The Prince is critical for any politician, businessman, and entrepreneur because it is concerned with taking action and being pragmatic rather than hoping for the best. These are ten powerful quotes from Machiavelli’s ‘The Prince’ to help you become more pragmatic.
“Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.” - Machiavelli
Appearances can be deceptive. It is even more accurate in the digital age, where people are vying for clicks, views, and your attention. Some influencers talk about and make a grand display of how they want others to view them. The same is true for politicians and people with power and influence positions. Perception is a powerful tool.
“If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.” - Machiavelli
If you must act against someone who has wronged you somehow, please make sure it is done quickly. It should also be done so that it sends a message to other people not to mess with you. This can be done in politics and business.
“The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.” - Machiavelli
The people you choose to be your friends, mentors, and in your social circle greatly influence you. They can affect you in subtle ways.
“The lion cannot protect himself from traps, and the fox cannot defend himself from wolves. One must therefore be a fox to recognize traps, and a lion to frighten wolves.”
Learn to recognize the different types of traps that can ensnare you. There are many types of traps: debt, living beyond your means, wasting time, people-pleasing, and
“There is no other way to guard yourself against flattery than by making men understand that telling you the truth will not offend you.” - Machiavelli
Flattery may be nice. The problem is that many people want to tell you what you want to hear. This includes friends, family, and co-workers. Now, once you are in a position where you are responsible for a business or to improve a state or country, the people you have around you are even more critical. The people you want to have as part of your team are those who know that they can tell you the truth, even if it may offend you.
The problem is that those people are few and far between. They are difficult to find. That is why they are vital to surround yourself with them. The people you surround yourself with are your destiny.
“Never was anything great achieved without danger.” - Machiavelli
The current culture overemphasizes safety. Look at almost anything in the news. Many people today are afraid of taking risks and of danger. Yet, it is by taking calculated risks that success can be achieved. The greater the risk. The higher the potential return on an investment.
“Never attempt to win by force what can be won by deception.” - Machiavelli
Suppose you can achieve this through marketing, propaganda, or public relations via deception. That is a better option than forcing a solution. Bring the people to your side by allowing them to choose to join you. They will be more loyal than if they are forced to join you. Ensure that they think they are the ones who thought of it. This will make them more likely to go along with the solution.
“The vulgar crowd always is taken by appearances, and the world consists chiefly of the vulgar.” - Machiavelli
Many people enjoy distractions: entertainment, news, movies, politics, and gossip. Those are just some of the many bread and circuses that society uses to mislead people from investing in themselves. Therefore, marketers, businessmen, and politicians must understand how people use their time. It can be used to make themselves look better by affiliating themselves with where the masses congregate.
This is the foundation of affiliate and influencer marketing. People have been trained to consume and buy things they do not need. You can create a great sales pitch, funnel, and message to build people around you.
“He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.” - Machiavelli
If you want to become a leader, you must first learn to be able to command. Leadership can be learned. Harvard Business Review notes eight essential characteristics of successful leaders:
Authenticity.
Curiosity.
Analytical thinking.
Adaptability.
Creativity.
Being able to deal with ambiguity.
Resilient.
Empathy.
Other critical traits of a leader are being able to make hard decisions and to be pragmatic. These ten traits can be learned. They are required for anyone who wants to become an entrepreneur.
“I hold strongly to this: that it is better to be impetuous than circumspect; because fortune is a woman and if she is to be submissive it is necessary to beat and coerce her.” - Machiavelli
The above is probably one of Machiavelli’s most controversial quotes, especially in modern times. Fortune was the Greek goddess Fortuna. Machiavelli says that rather than just letting things happen by chance, to take control and dominate fortune. Take control of your life by trying to control your fortune as much as possible and live as little as possible to chance. Make Fortuna submit to you. Do not bow before fortune.
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Summary
Nicolo Machiavelli is a controversial figure. Ultimately, he argues that to take control of one’s life, one must rule over fortune, be pragmatic, and not be afraid of taking risks. The efficient person rules in what they excel at. Stop overthinking and embrace being practical.
What do you think of these ten quotes? What do you think of Machiavelli? How can you apply these quotes to your daily life? Let us know in the comments below!