more from Niccolo Machiavelli

Single Idea 6308

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 2. Leaders / c. Despotism]

Full Idea

A prudent conqueror makes a list of all the harmful deeds he must do, and does them all at once, so that he need not repeat them every day, which then makes men feel secure, and gains their support by treating them well.

Gist of Idea

A sensible conqueror does all his harmful deeds immediately, because people soon forget

Source

Niccolo Machiavelli (The Prince [1513], Ch.8)

Book Reference

Machiavelli,Niccolo: 'The Prince, selections from Discourses', ed/tr. Plamenatz,J [Fontana 1972], p.83


A Reaction

This might work for a new government in a democracy, or a new boss in a business. It sounds horribly true; dreadful deeds done a long time ago can be completely forgotten, as when reformed criminals become celebrities.