“And there is nothing more difficult to undertake, more doubtful of success, and more dangerous to conduct than to initiate a new order of things.”Niccolò Machiavelli · Discursuri asupra primei decade a lui Titus Livius · 1531 · Cartea I, Capitolul 26
Introducing new orders is the most difficult, risky, and dangerous undertaking.
Machiavelli describes the real obstacles faced by anyone who wants to change the established order. Those who benefit from the old order oppose it fiercely, while those who might benefit from the new order are skeptical and hesitant. A concrete example is introducing democracy in a country with an authoritarian tradition: the old elite sabotages reforms, and citizens lack trust in the new system.
Machiavelli warns that human inertia is the first real obstacle. People prefer a known evil to an uncertain good. When you want to change a habit, like switching from a personal car to public transport, you will meet passive resistance. Your colleagues will find excuses not to try. The success of your initiative depends on how well you anticipate this fear of the unknown.
Why it matters This quote is useful for any entrepreneur, activist, or reformer who deludes themselves into thinking change will be easy and fast.