Original Text(~196 words)
All states, all powers, that have held and hold rule over men have been and are either republics or principalities. Principalities are either hereditary, in which the family has been long established; or they are new. The new are either entirely new, as was Milan to Francesco Sforza, or they are, as it were, members annexed to the hereditary state of the prince who has acquired them, as was the kingdom of Naples to that of the King of Spain. Such dominions thus acquired are either accustomed to live under a prince, or to live in freedom; and are acquired either by the arms of the prince himself, or of others, or else by fortune or by ability. Machiavelli opens his treatise by categorizing all states into two types: republics and principalities. He then subdivides principalities into hereditary (inherited) and new (acquired). New principalities can be entirely new creations or additions to existing domains. They may be acquired through one's own abilities, through fortune (luck), through the arms of others, or through one's own military force. This chapter establishes the framework for everything that follows, setting up the analytical lens through which Machiavelli will examine power.
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Summary
Machiavelli opens his treatise by categorizing all states into two types: republics and principalities. He then subdivides principalities into hereditary (inherited) and new (acquired). New principalities can be entirely new creations or additions to existing domains. They may be acquired through one's own abilities, through fortune (luck), through the arms of others, or through one's own military force. This chapter establishes the framework for everything that follows, setting up the analytical lens through which Machiavelli will examine power.
That's what happens. To understand what the author is really doing—and to discuss this chapter with confidence—keep reading.
Terms to Know
Principality
A state ruled by a single person (prince) rather than by elected representatives or collective bodies
Modern Usage:
Think of a company led by a powerful CEO or founder with near-total control, versus a company with distributed leadership
Hereditary
Power passed down through family lineage
Modern Usage:
Family businesses, legacy admissions, or inheriting a role because of who your parents are
Fortune
Luck, chance, or circumstances beyond one's control
Modern Usage:
Being in the right place at the right time—getting promoted because someone quit, or landing a role through unexpected timing
Characters in This Chapter
Francesco Sforza
Historical example of a self-made ruler
Rose from mercenary captain to Duke of Milan through ability and strategy—proof that new power can be earned
Modern Equivalent:
A founder who builds a company from nothing and becomes a powerful CEO
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
The ability to accurately identify where your authority, influence, or position actually comes from
Practice This Today
Make a list of your current role/position. For each aspect of your authority, trace it back: Did you earn it? Inherit it? Get lucky? Did someone else put you there? Your maintenance strategy must match each source.
You have the foundation. Now let's look closer.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"All states, all powers, that have held and hold rule over men have been and are either republics or principalities."
Context: Opening line of The Prince
Machiavelli immediately establishes a binary framework. There's no third option—you're either ruled by one or ruled by many. This forces clear thinking about power structures.
In Today's Words:
Every organization is either run by a single powerful leader or by a group. There's no in-between.
Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Power Classification
Systematically categorizing the source and type of power before attempting to use or expand it
Thematic Threads
Classification as Strategy
In This Chapter
Machiavelli doesn't just describe—he categorizes systematically
Development
This analytical framework becomes the foundation for all tactical advice
In Your Life:
Before solving any problem, categorize it correctly. The solution for an inherited role differs from an earned one.
Fortune vs. Ability
In This Chapter
First mention of the fortune/ability dichotomy
Development
This tension runs throughout the entire work
In Your Life:
How much of your current position is luck vs. skill? Be honest—your strategy depends on it.
Modern Adaptation
The New VP
Following Nick's story...
Nick has just been promoted to VP of Product at their tech company. But how did they get here? They think back: Was it merit? The previous VP left suddenly (fortune). Nick's mentor recommended them (others' arms). Nick also delivered a successful product launch (ability). The promotion came with the company acquisition of a smaller firm (adding to existing domain). Nick realizes their power is a mix of all sources—which means they need multiple strategies to secure it.
The Road
Nick's promotion is precarious because it comes from multiple sources, none of which are purely their own achievement.
The Map
Machiavelli teaches that you must identify the source of your power to know how to defend it.
Amplification
Audit your own position. Write down exactly how you got where you are. Each source of power requires different maintenance.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
Think about your current job or a position of influence you hold. How did you acquire it? What combination of ability, fortune, and others' support got you there?
reflection • medium - 2
Machiavelli says there are only republics and principalities—group rule or single-person rule. In modern companies, which is more common? Which is more effective?
analysis • deep - 3
If you were promoted tomorrow, would your power be 'hereditary' (expected, legitimate) or 'new' (requires proving yourself)? How would that change your first 90 days?
application • medium
Critical Thinking Exercise
The Power Source Audit
Map your current professional position using Machiavelli's framework. Create four columns: Ability (what you earned through skill), Fortune (luck and timing), Others' Arms (who put you here), and Inheritance (what you got through existing structures). Fill in specific examples for each.
Consider:
- •Be brutally honest—overestimating your own ability is a common trap
- •Consider both your formal title and your informal influence
- •Think about relationships, not just achievements
Journaling Prompt
Which source of power do you rely on most? What would happen if that source disappeared tomorrow?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 2: Concerning Hereditary Principalities
The coming pages reveal established leaders have built-in advantages, and teach us the power of 'not messing things up' as a strategy. These discoveries help us navigate similar situations in our own lives.