“CHAPTER VIConcerning New Principalities Which Are Acquired By One's Own Arms And AbilityLET no one be surprised if, in speaking of entirely new principalities as I shall do, I adduce the highest examples both of prince and of state; because men, walking almost always in paths beaten by others, and following by imitation their deeds, are yet unable to keep entirely to the ways of others or attain to the power of those they imitate. A wise man ought always to follow the paths beaten by great men, and to imitate those who have been supreme, so that if his ability does not equal theirs, at least it will savour of it. 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, not to reach by their strength or arrow to so great a height, but to be able with the aid of so high an aim to hit the mark they wish to reach.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote from Niccolo Machiavelli's "The Prince," Machiavelli discusses the importance of emulating successful leaders and taking inspiration from their achievements. He emphasizes the need to learn from great men and states in order to achieve success, even if one's own abilities may not be equal to theirs. Machiavelli uses the analogy of archers aiming higher than their target to illustrate the idea of striving for greatness even if one falls short. This quote serves as a reminder for individuals to always aim high and follow the paths of those who have achieved greatness.
Modern Relevance of Machiavelli's Thoughts on Acquiring New Principalities
In this passage from Niccolo Machiavelli's "The Prince," he discusses the importance of learning from the actions of great leaders in order to achieve success in one's own endeavors. This philosophy has enduring relevance in modern times, as individuals and organizations can benefit from studying the strategies and tactics employed by successful figures in history to guide their own actions and decision-making. By understanding the paths taken by those who have achieved greatness, individuals can gain valuable insights and inspiration to help them navigate their own challenges and strive for success.
Examples of Usage
In his classic work, "The Prince," Nicolo Machiavelli discusses the acquisition of new principalities through one's own arms and ability. He provides examples of great men and states who have successfully achieved this, emphasizing the importance of following in their footsteps and imitating their actions. Machiavelli urges readers to aim higher than their ultimate goal, in order to increase their chances of success.
Reflection Questions:
In Chapter VI of "The Prince" by Nicolo Machiavelli, the concept of acquiring new principalities through one's own arms and abilities is explored. Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of following the paths of great men and learning from their achievements. Reflect on the following questions to delve deeper into the themes discussed in this chapter:
- How do you interpret Machiavelli's advice to imitate great men in order to achieve success in acquiring new principalities?
- Do you agree with Machiavelli's suggestion to aim higher than the desired mark in order to ultimately reach your goal? Why or why not?
- How can one balance following the paths of great men with maintaining their own individuality and unique strengths in leadership and acquisition of power?
- Reflect on a historical or contemporary example of a leader who successfully acquired a new principality through their own arms and abilities. What lessons can be learned from their approach?
- In what ways can Machiavelli's principles be applied in modern leadership contexts, both in politics and other fields?
Similar quotes
“For since men for the most part follow in the footsteps and imitate the actions of others, and yet are unable to adhere exactly to those paths which others have taken, or attain to the virtues of those whom they would resemble, the wise man should always follow the roads that have been trodden by the great, and imitate those who have most excelled, so that if he cannot reach their perfection, he may at least acquire something of its savour. Acting in this like the skilful archer, who seeing that the object he would hit is distant, and knowing the range of his bow, takes aim much above the destined mark; not designing that his arrow should strike so high, but that flying high it may alight at the point intended.”
“Men nearly always follow the tracks made by others and proceed in their affairs by imitation, even though they cannot entirely keep to the tracks of others or emulate the prowess of their models. So a prudent man should always follow in the footsteps of great men and imitate those who have been outstanding. If his own prowess fails to compare with theirs, at least it has an air of greatness about it. He should behave like those archers who, if they are skilful, when the target seems too distant, know the capabilities of their bow and aim a good deal higher than their objective, not in order to shoot so high but so that by aiming high they can reach the target.”
“exactly to those paths which others have taken, or attain to the virtues of those whom they would resemble, the wise man should always follow the roads that have been trodden by the great, and imitate those who have most excelled, so that if he cannot reach their perfection, he may at least acquire something of its savour.”
“A prudent man should always follow in the path trodden by great men and imitate those who are most excellent, so that if he does not attain to their greatness, at any rate he will get some tinge of it.”
“the wise man should always follow the roads that have been trodden by the great, and imitate those who have most excelled, so that if he cannot reach their perfection, he may at least acquire something of its savour.”