Original Text(~162 words)
But the difficulties occur in a new principality. And firstly, if it be not entirely new, but is, as it were, a member of a state which, taken collectively, may be called composite, the changes arise chiefly from an inherent difficulty which there is in all new principalities; for men change their rulers willingly, hoping to better themselves, and this hope induces them to take up arms against him who rules. Machiavelli examines 'mixed' principalities—when a ruler adds new territories to existing ones (think: mergers, acquisitions, expanding your domain). He reveals a fundamental paradox: the very people who helped you gain power will become your enemies, while those you displaced will hate you. People welcome new rulers hoping for improvement, then turn hostile when expectations aren't met. Machiavelli offers solutions: physically occupy new territory (be present), eliminate the previous ruling family (remove competing power centers), maintain existing laws and taxes (minimize disruption), and act decisively against threats (strike fast before problems grow).
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Summary
Machiavelli examines 'mixed' principalities—when a ruler adds new territories to existing ones (think: mergers, acquisitions, expanding your domain). He reveals a fundamental paradox: the very people who helped you gain power will become your enemies, while those you displaced will hate you. People welcome new rulers hoping for improvement, then turn hostile when expectations aren't met. Machiavelli offers solutions: physically occupy new territory (be present), eliminate the previous ruling family (remove competing power centers), maintain existing laws and taxes (minimize disruption), and act decisively against threats (strike fast before problems grow).
That's what happens. To understand what the author is really doing—and to discuss this chapter with confidence—keep reading.
Terms to Know
Composite state
A political entity made up of different territories or regions joined together
Modern Usage:
A company formed through multiple mergers, or a department that absorbed other teams over time
Colonize
To establish a permanent presence in new territory through settlements
Modern Usage:
Placing your trusted people in key positions throughout a new acquisition or team
Characters in This Chapter
Louis XII of France
Example of strategic failures in conquest
Made every mistake possible in trying to hold Italy—empowered rivals, weakened allies, failed to establish presence
Modern Equivalent:
A CEO who acquires a company but alienates its best people, empowers competitors, and never visits the new offices
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
The ability to take over or absorb new teams, projects, or responsibilities while maintaining stability and earning loyalty
Practice This Today
Next time you're responsible for 'integrating' something new—a team member, a project, a process—apply Machiavelli's framework: Be present. Minimize early changes. But identify and address competing power centers quickly.
You have the foundation. Now let's look closer.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"Men change their rulers willingly, hoping to better themselves, and this hope induces them to take up arms against him who rules."
Context: Explaining why people initially welcome new leadership
People support change because they imagine it will benefit them. When it doesn't, their hope turns to hostility. This is the fundamental dynamic of every leadership transition.
In Today's Words:
People support new bosses because they think things will get better. When they don't, that hope becomes resentment.
"He who is the cause of another becoming powerful is ruined."
Context: Warning about empowering others who may become rivals
One of Machiavelli's most famous strategic principles. Every time you elevate someone, you create a potential threat.
In Today's Words:
If you help someone else become powerful, you've created the instrument of your own downfall.
Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Integration
The people who helped you gain new power will become your first enemies when expectations aren't met
Thematic Threads
Hope and Disappointment
In This Chapter
People welcome new rulers then turn hostile when expectations aren't met
Development
This psychological dynamic underlies most of Machiavelli's strategic advice
In Your Life:
When you take a new job, project, or role, others have expectations. Manage them or suffer the backlash.
Presence as Power
In This Chapter
Machiavelli insists on physical occupation of new territories
Development
Remote rule is fragile rule
In Your Life:
You cannot lead from absence. If you're responsible for something, be visibly present.
Modern Adaptation
The Acquisition
Following Nick's story...
Nick's company just acquired a smaller competitor. Nick is tasked with 'integrating' their product team. Day one, Nick flies to their office—doesn't send an email, shows up in person. Nick keeps their existing sprint schedule, their Slack channels, their team rituals. But Nick also has coffee one-on-one with every single team member in the first two weeks, asking: 'What are you afraid we'll change?' and 'What do you hope we'll keep?' When the old VP tries to maintain informal authority, Nick has a direct conversation: 'I'm not asking you to leave, but I am asking you to clearly support the new structure—publicly.' Within 90 days, the team has integrated smoothly. Other acquired teams—whose leaders sent emails and maintained existing management—are in chaos.
The Road
Integration requires presence, selective continuity, and decisive action against competing power centers.
The Map
Machiavelli teaches: be present, minimize disruption, but remove threats to your authority quickly.
Amplification
When taking over something new, your first job is establishing presence and identifying where the old power structures will resist you.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
Have you ever been part of an acquisition, merger, or team reorganization? What did the new leadership do well or poorly?
reflection • medium - 2
Machiavelli says 'He who is the cause of another becoming powerful is ruined.' Do you agree? Can you think of examples?
analysis • deep - 3
Why do people initially welcome new leadership then turn hostile? How can leaders manage this cycle?
application • medium
Critical Thinking Exercise
The Integration Playbook
Imagine your company is acquiring a competitor and you're responsible for integrating their team. Using Machiavelli's principles, design your 90-day plan. Address: How will you establish presence? What will you preserve? What will you change? How will you handle the previous leadership?
Consider:
- •People's hopes and fears during transitions
- •The danger of managing from a distance
- •The political cost of keeping old power structures intact
Journaling Prompt
Think of a time when you were on the receiving end of a 'takeover.' What did you hope would change? What did you fear? How did the new leadership handle it?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 4: Why the Kingdom of Darius, Conquered by Alexander, Did Not Rebel Against the Successors of Alexander After His Death
Moving forward, we'll examine key principles of organizational stability, and understand to apply these insights to modern career and leadership challenges. These insights bridge the gap between classic literature and modern experience.