The Failure of Appius Claudius
마키아벨리는 아피우스 클라우디우스가 전제 정권을 세우려다 실패한 사례를 분석했어요. 그는 성공적인 독재자가 되려면 먼저 민중의 편에 서서 귀족을 공격한 뒤, 적이 사라졌을 때 민중을 억압해야 한다고 설명했어요.
Lesson권력을 얻기 위해서는 먼저 대중의 지지를 확보하는 전략적 순서가 중요해요.
Hall of Masters
Niccolò Machiavelli
니콜로 마키아벨리
Strategy and mental models1469-1527
Florentine diplomat, author of The Prince
1,049 records in all
- Principles 323
- Episodes 263
- Quotes 463
Ask with this master's words
3 free questions a day, no sign-up.
Photo: Santi di Tito Public domain Original cropped
Episodes
39 basic records of 263
Episodes are real events from public sources, summarised by us.
The Risk of Overreaching
마키아벨리는 정복에 성공했을 때 거기서 만족할 줄 알아야 한다고 조언했어요. 자신이 감당할 수 있는 것보다 더 많은 것을 얻으려다가는 결국 가진 것마저 모두 잃게 된다고 설명했어요.
Lesson적절한 시점에 승리를 확정 짓지 못하고 과한 욕심을 부리면 파멸을 초래할 수 있어요.
- 1498Career
Unexpected Career Start
마키아벨리는 29세의 젊은 나이에 법학이나 공직 경험이 전혀 없었음에도 불구하고 피렌체 정부의 제2 서기국 관리로 임명되었어요. 그는 곧 외교와 전쟁을 담당하는 위원회의 비서관으로 선출되어 정부의 핵심적인 역할을 맡게 되었어요.
LessonFormal qualifications are not always a prerequisite for high-level strategic roles if one can demonstrate competence in the field.
- 1520Career
Commissioned Florentine Histories
마키아벨리는 1520년부터 1525년 사이에 줄리오 데 메디치(후에 교황 클레멘스 7세)의 의뢰를 받아 피렌체의 역사를 기록했어요. 이는 그가 정치적 실각 후에도 지적 역량을 인정받아 중요한 프로젝트를 수행했음을 보여줘요.
Lesson어려운 시기에도 전문성을 유지하면 권위 있는 기관으로부터 새로운 기회를 얻을 수 있어요.
- 1494Career
Entry into Public Service
Machiavelli entered public service when the Medici family fell and served as the secretary for Florence's Council of Ten. He developed his unique political views while being dispatched as a diplomatic envoy to various foreign monarchs.
LessonDirect experience in the field and observing different leadership styles are essential for building one's own strategic framework.
- 1509Risk
The Sudden Loss at Vaila
The Venetians relied on mercenary captains for their land campaigns. In a single battle at Vaila, they lost everything they had painstakingly acquired over eight hundred years.
LessonRelying on external talent for growth can result in a fragile foundation that collapses instantly under pressure.
Pandolfo Petrucci's Wise Hire
Pandolfo Petrucci, Prince of Siena, hired Antonio da Venafro as his servant. Observers judged Pandolfo to be very clever simply because he had such a capable man in his service.
LessonThe quality of your early hires acts as a public signal of your own competence and judgment.
- 1512Strategy
The Battle of Ravenna Analysis
Machiavelli analyzed the 1512 Battle of Ravenna to understand how Spanish infantry defeated German pikemen. He observed that the Spaniards used agility and small shields to get under the long pikes, rendering the Germans helpless.
LessonDetailed observation of competitors' tactical failures reveals the path to creating a superior alternative.
The Poggio Family Betrayal
The Poggio family, who helped Castruccio rise to power, felt under-rewarded and started a rebellion while he was away. Stefano di Poggio stopped the violence and tried to mediate, but Castruccio returned and executed the entire family despite promising clemency.
LessonPast services do not guarantee future loyalty, and a leader must be decisive when dealing with internal threats.
Castruccio's Deathbed Regret
Castruccio Castracani realized at the end of his life that his aggressive expansion had left his successor with too many enemies. He admitted that if he had known his time was short, he would have focused on securing a smaller, more stable state.
LessonAggressive growth without a plan for long-term stability can leave a business vulnerable once the founder is gone.
The Failure of Pagolo Guinigi
After Castruccio died, Pagolo Guinigi took over but lacked the military talent of his predecessor. Consequently, he quickly lost control of Pisa and Pistoia, barely holding onto Lucca.
LessonA successor or new hire must have the specific skills required to maintain what was built, or they will lose it.
The Cost of a Partridge
Castruccio paid a ducat for a partridge and was criticized by a friend for overspending. He explained that while a ducat seemed like a lot to the friend, it was a negligible amount relative to his own wealth.
LessonValue is relative to your resources; what is expensive for one may be cheap for another.
- 1002Decisions
The Electoral Reform
After being expelled and then reinstated by the emperor, Pope Gregory V sought to prevent future Roman interference. He stripped the Romans of the right to elect the emperor and transferred it to specific German princes and bishops.
LessonTo secure long-term control, you must sometimes redesign the rules of the selection process to favor loyal allies.
- 1170Negotiation
The Submission of Henry II
King Henry of England was accused of involvement in the death of Thomas à Becket. To clear his name, he accepted humiliating terms from the Pope, including sending soldiers to Jerusalem and allowing his subjects to appeal directly to Rome.
LessonTo maintain legitimacy during a scandal, even the most powerful leaders may have to accept terms that seem personally degrading.
- 1218Strategy
The Rise of New Orders
During the reign of Pope Honorius III, the religious orders of St. Dominic and St. Francis were established. This occurred while the papacy was navigating complex power struggles with Emperor Frederick.
LessonInstitutional growth and the founding of new branches can occur even amidst high-level political conflict.
- 1282Management
Creation of the Priors
To restrain the insolence of the nobility and stabilize the city, Florence established a new government led by three Priors from the Arts companies. This number later grew to six and then eight to ensure representation across the city's districts.
LessonStructural changes in governance are often necessary when existing leadership fails to maintain order or follow the law.
- 1304Strategy
The Failed Return of the Exiles
Exiled citizens tried to retake Florence by force while the city's leaders were away. However, they failed because they rushed the attack without waiting for their full reinforcements to arrive.
LessonActing with speed is useless if you lack the necessary resources to secure the win.
The Duke's Strategic Delay
The Duke of Milan wanted to keep Count Francesco Sforza from helping his enemies, so he repeatedly promised a marriage alliance. He sent 30,000 florins to maintain the Count's hope while delaying the actual wedding to keep the Count in suspense.
LessonSmall payments or partial progress can be used as a tactic to keep a powerful competitor from taking action against you.
- 1439Strategy
Sforza's Mountain Maneuver
Count Sforza found his path to Verona blocked by Niccolo Piccinino's entrenchments in the plain. He decided to take a rugged mountain path with eight days of provisions, betting that his opponent would consider the route impracticable.
LessonTaking the harder, less expected path can bypass a competitor's strongest defenses.
You are seeing 156 basic records. Membership answers from all 1,049 of this master's records.
See membershipMore masters in this field
See the whole fieldStrategy and mental models
These records are our compilation of public statements and sources. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Niccolò Machiavelli or any related company. If something should come down, tell us. Takedown request form