“Whoever conquers a free town and does not demolish it commits a great error and may expect to be ruined himself.”
- 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
“Whoever conquers a free town and does not demolish it commits a great error and may expect to be ruined himself.”
Explanation
In this statement, Niccolò Machiavelli advises that when a ruler or conqueror takes control of a free town or independent city, they must completely break its spirit by demolishing it in some way. This advice stems from Machiavelli’s understanding of power dynamics and the importance of ensuring total dominance over newly conquered territories. A free town, by its very nature, represents autonomy, resistance, and the potential for rebellion against a new ruler. If a conqueror allows the town to remain intact—its institutions, leaders, and autonomous structures—it can quickly become a center of insurrection or discontent, posing a threat to the stability of the new regime.
Machiavelli argues that demolition does not only refer to physical destruction but to the systematic dismantling of the town’s political and social structures that could inspire resistance or rebellion. By securing total control, the conqueror ensures that no vestige of independence remains, making it impossible for the conquered people to retain any hope of returning to their former state. This is part of Machiavelli’s broader principle that a ruler must not show weakness or tolerance toward potential threats, as such leniency could be exploited by rivals or dissidents. In his eyes, a failure to act decisively in this way invites further instability, and the conqueror who does not remove these potential sources of rebellion is inviting their own downfall.
In modern terms, this idea can be understood as a metaphor for the need to solidify control after any kind of conquest, whether political, economic, or even cultural. A political leader who takes over a country or organization and does not sufficiently integrate or subdue the former power structures—be they rival factions, institutions, or ideologies—risks facing ongoing resistance that could undermine their authority. In business, for example, a company that acquires another but does not fully incorporate or transform the acquired company’s culture, leadership, or infrastructure may encounter resistance or inefficiencies that hamper growth and success. Similarly, in international relations, a country that conquers or intervenes in another but does not secure its political and social structures may face unrest or insurgency. While Machiavelli’s advice reflects the harsh realities of his time, it serves as a reminder that in any form of governance or leadership, maintaining control and order is crucial for long-term stability.
