“Injuries should be done all together, so that being less tasted, they will give less offense; benefits should be granted little by little, so that they may be better enjoyed.”Niccolò Machiavelli · Principele · 1532 · Capitolul VIII
Concentrate evil in a single shock and distribute good over time to maximize control of perception.
Machiavelli offers practical advice on managing perception. A bad action, concentrated in a single moment, produces a passing shock, and people quickly forget. In contrast, benefits distributed over time create constant expectation and lasting gratitude. For example, a ruler who executes several opponents in one day will be feared for a short time, but one who grants favors gradually will secure long-term loyalty from supporters.
Why it matters In management or personal relationships, delivering bad news one by one amplifies their impact, and doing good deeds rarely but from the heart does not create attachment; consistency of generosity is the key.