“Benefits should be conferred gradually; and in that way they will taste better.”
- 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
“Benefits should be conferred gradually; and in that way they will taste better.”
Explanation
In this statement, Niccolò Machiavelli advises that when granting favors or benefits to others, they should be given slowly and in small increments rather than all at once. The reasoning behind this advice is that gradual benefits are more likely to be appreciated and valued over time. If benefits are given suddenly and in large amounts, they may be taken for granted or even cause resentment, as the recipient may not fully recognize their significance. In contrast, gradual benefits allow the recipient to savor and truly appreciate each step, leading to a stronger sense of gratitude and loyalty. The idea is that anticipation and progressive reward heighten the emotional impact of the benefit, making it more meaningful and increasing the recipient’s attachment to the giver.
Machiavelli’s thinking here reflects his understanding of human nature and the psychology of gratitude and loyalty. He observes that people often come to expect favors or gifts, and when these are given too generously or too quickly, they lose their value. By contrast, when benefits are doled out in a measured and deliberate way, the recipient remains grateful and dependent, strengthening the giver’s position of power or influence. This approach can be applied not only in politics, where rulers may wish to cultivate loyalty among subjects or allies, but also in personal relationships, where giving too much at once can lead to entitlement rather than appreciation.
In modern contexts, the idea of conferring benefits gradually is evident in both leadership and management strategies. For instance, in business, companies that offer incentives or bonuses in stages (e.g., based on performance over time) tend to create stronger and more sustained motivation among employees, rather than offering one-time rewards that may quickly fade in significance. Similarly, in politics, leaders who provide gradual policy improvements or incentives may build long-term loyalty among voters or constituents, while those who make sudden promises or offer abrupt changes may face backlash when expectations are not met. This principle also applies to education, where incremental progress is often more effective in sustaining engagement and fostering a sense of accomplishment. Machiavelli’s advice remains a powerful reminder of the value of restraint and strategic pacing in the distribution of favors or rewards.
