[Raven] And it ought to be remembered that there is...

["chefren" <chefren@pi.net>]

http://home.earthlink.net/~stilling/Prince.htm

  ..

  And 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. Thus it
  happens that whenever those who are hostile have the opportunity to
  attack they do it like partisans, whilst the others defend
  lukewarmly, in such wise that the prince is endangered along with
  them. It is necessary, therefore, if we desire to discuss this
  matter thoroughly, to inquire whether these innovators can rely on
  themselves or have to depend on others: that is to say, whether, to
  consummate their enterprise, have they to use prayers or can they
  use force? In the first instance they always succeed badly, and
  never compass  anything; but when they can rely on themselves and
  use force, then they are rarely endangered. Hence it is that all
  armed prophets have conquered, and the unarmed ones have been
  destroyed. Besides the reasons mentioned, the nature of the people
  is variable, and whilst it is easy to persuade them, it is
  difficult to fix them in that persuasion. And thus it is necessary
  to take such measures that, when they believe no longer, it may be
  possible to make them believe by force.  

  ..

  Niccolò Machiavelli, Il Principe, 1513/1514. 



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