“If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.”
- May 3, 1469 – June 21, 1527
- Born in the Republic of Florence (Italy)
- Political thinker and diplomat
- Wrote The Prince, built the foundations of modern political science, and advocated realist political thought
Quote
“If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.”
Explanation
In this quote, Niccolò Machiavelli advises that when a ruler or leader must harm someone—whether politically, militarily, or otherwise—the injury should be severe enough to prevent the victim from seeking revenge. The logic behind this is that a mild or moderate injury might provoke the individual into retaliation, which could cause further instability or risk for the one who initiated the harm. On the other hand, a decisive, total injury leaves the victim with no ability to seek revenge and no means of recovering their power or position. By ensuring that the injury is irrevocable and overwhelming, the perpetrator eliminates the possibility of future retribution, consolidating their power and avoiding future conflict.
This philosophy reflects Machiavelli’s broader views on the nature of power and governance, particularly the need for a ruler to exercise control over both allies and adversaries. A ruler, according to Machiavelli, should not hesitate to take bold or even ruthless actions to secure their authority. In his political treatise The Prince, he argues that rulers must be willing to act decisively, even harshly, if necessary, because a ruler’s primary goal is to maintain stability and control. By ensuring that any harm inflicted is so severe that the victim is unable to retaliate, the ruler solidifies their dominance and avoids the complications of ongoing conflict.
This advice has modern applications, especially in the realms of political strategy and corporate power struggles. For instance, in business, companies that face serious competition may choose to eliminate or buy out rivals decisively, ensuring that no further competition arises from them. Similarly, in international politics, states may employ overwhelming force to deter threats or rivals, ensuring that retaliation is impossible or too costly for the adversary. However, in these modern contexts, the idea of ensuring that one’s enemies cannot retaliate can also be seen as ethically controversial and potentially destabilizing, leading to escalation and unforeseen consequences. Machiavelli’s advice thus highlights a tension between effective power and the risks inherent in excessive force, where the need to eliminate potential threats must be weighed against the long-term stability it creates or destroys.
