“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.”Niccolò Machiavelli · Principele · 1532 · capitolul 6
Reform faces determined enemies and hesitant supporters, because the loss is certain while the gain is only possible.
The reformer makes enemies of everyone who profited from the old system, while his supporters are lukewarm, benefiting only hypothetically from the new one. Interest is passionate, but enthusiasm is cold. A leader uprooting entrenched corruption fights both the corrupt and the merely fearful, even when everyone agrees in principle.
Why it matters For anyone launching change at work or in a community: expect active resistance and passive support, and line up allies who actually show up.