"It ought to be remembered that there..." - Quote by Niccolo Machiavelli
It ought to be remembered that there is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things. Because the innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under the old conditions, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new. This coolness arises partly from fear of the opponents, who have the laws on their side, and partly from the incredulity of men, who do not readily believe in new things until they have had a long experience of them.
More by Niccolo Machiavelli
“The sinews of war are not gold, but good soldiers; for gold alone will not procure good soldiers, but good soldiers will always procure gold.”
“Never lead your soldiers to battle if you have not first confirmed their spirit and known them to be without fear and ordered; and never test them except when you see that they hope to win.”
“Power is the pivot on which everything hinges. He who has the power is always right; the weaker is always wrong.”
More on Change
“I am not in favour of this modern mania for turning bad people into good people at a moment's notice.”
“Man can change his life simply by changing his attitude.”
“Time cools, time clarifies; no mood can be maintained quite unaltered through the course of hours. When you make a decision to "be" a particular way, you can count on change and external circumstances to come along which will challenge that decision. Remain vigilant after declaring a major decision and manage yourself in relationship to the goal. Set up structures that support you staying on target.”
More on Innovation
“Ideas often flash across our minds more complete than we could make them after much labor.”
“Sir, we must beware of needless innovation, especially when guided by logic.”
“The human bird shall take his first flight, filling the world with amazement, all writings with his fame, and bringing eternal glory to the nest whence he sprang.”