An excerpt from The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli
" And let it be noted that there is no more delicate a matter to take in hand, nor more dangerous to conduct, nor more doubtful in its success, than to set up as a leader in the introduction of changes. For he who innovates will have for his enemies all those who are well off under the existing order of things, and only lukewarm supporters in those who might be better off under the new.
This lukewarm temper arises partly from the fear of adversaries who have the laws on their side, and partly from the incredulity of mankind, who will never admit the merit of anything new, until they have seen it proved by the event. The result, however, is that whenever the enemies of change make an attack, they do so with all the zeal of partisans, while others defend themselves so feebly as to endanger both themselves and their cause."
I love Machiavelli's realistic pragmatism. I don't vibe with all his worldviews but I cannot help but respect the fact that at the end of it all he knew how to get shit done.
This lukewarm temper arises partly from the fear of adversaries who have the laws on their side, and partly from the incredulity of mankind, who will never admit the merit of anything new, until they have seen it proved by the event. The result, however, is that whenever the enemies of change make an attack, they do so with all the zeal of partisans, while others defend themselves so feebly as to endanger both themselves and their cause."
I love Machiavelli's realistic pragmatism. I don't vibe with all his worldviews but I cannot help but respect the fact that at the end of it all he knew how to get shit done.
