Deux grands princes qui se voudroient bien entr'aymer, ne se devroient jamais voir, mais envoyer bonnes gens et sages les uns vers les autres, et ceux la les entretiendroient ou amenderoient les fautes.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Suggests wise rulers should avoid direct contact and instead use trusted mediators to manage relations.
- In plain terms
- Princes should send wise agents to each other instead of meeting directly.
- What can you take from it?
- Delegates often solve conflicts better than leaders themselves.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is indirect communication better?
- Who do you trust to speak for you?
Another view
Direct contact can sometimes be necessary for building personal trust.
More from Philippe de Commines
Ces deux ducs dessusdits estoient sages apres le coup (comme l'on dit des Bretons).
Permalink to quote #2 Car on ne doit point tenir pour conseil ce qui se fait apres disner.
Permalink to quote #3 Qui a le profit de la guerre, il en a l'honneur.
Permalink to quote #4
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