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About this quote

What does it mean?
Claims rulers gain strength and fear from enemies when they act with their subjects' consent.
In plain terms
Kings are stronger and more feared when their people agree with their actions.
What can you take from it?
Unity between leader and people creates strength.

Where it applies

  • leading a nation
  • implementing policy
  • responding to threats

Putting it to work

  • consult the people
  • build trust
  • maintain transparency

Questions to consider

  • What makes a leader powerful?
  • How does public opinion affect policy?

Another view

Rulers can still be feared even when acting against their subjects.

More from Philippe de Commines

  1. Qui a le profit de la guerre, il en a l'honneur.

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  2. Or, selon mon advis, entre toutes les seigneuries du monde, dont j'ay connoissance, ou la chose publique est mieux traictee, et ou regne moins de violence sur …

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  3. Car on ne doit point tenir pour conseil ce qui se fait apres disner.

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