“Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others.”
- 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
“Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others.”
Explanation
In this quote, Niccolò Machiavelli reflects on the nature of human ambition and self-preservation. He suggests that individuals begin their quest for power or success by first focusing on security—protecting themselves from external threats, whether from rivals, enemies, or other forces. Once they have secured their own position and feel relatively safe, they then shift their focus to expanding their influence by attacking or confronting others in pursuit of greater power or advantage. This progression reflects a fundamental aspect of human nature that, after ensuring personal survival and stability, individuals often seek to increase their dominance and control over others, moving from self-defense to offensive action.
Machiavelli’s view on ambition is rooted in his broader understanding of political dynamics and the struggle for power. He recognizes that ambition is not static; it evolves in response to shifting circumstances. Initially, a person may be focused on self-preservation—be it through building alliances, securing wealth, or establishing defenses. However, once these basic needs are met and stability is achieved, the human drive for power often leads to expansion. For example, a leader who initially seeks to secure their rule and eliminate internal threats may, once secure, look to conquer neighboring territories or expand their influence. This cycle of ambition—moving from defense to offense—is a recurring theme in both historical and modern political power struggles.
In contemporary contexts, this idea is relevant in fields such as international relations, business, and even personal development. For example, a company may begin by focusing on protecting its market share or securing its competitive position. Once it has established itself, it may then seek to grow by expanding into new markets or acquiring competitors. Similarly, in politics, a nation may first focus on strengthening its borders and military defenses before pursuing expansionist policies or intervening in other countries’ affairs. On a personal level, individuals may first work to achieve financial or emotional security before pursuing further ambitions such as career advancement or social influence. Machiavelli’s quote underscores the progression of ambition from a focus on self-defense to active offensive action in the pursuit of greater power and control.
