The Prince Strength and Skill Quotes

Analysing their lives and achievements, we notice that the only part luck played was in giving them an initial opportunity: they were granted the raw material and had the chance to mould it into whatever shape they wanted. Without this opportunity their talent [virtù] would have gone unused, and without their talent [virtù] the opportunity would have gone begging. (6.3)

Borgia was so ruthless and so talented [virtù], he knew so well that you have to win over people or destroy them … (7.13)

Agathocles was a Sicilian. From being a private citizen, one of the lowest of the low in fact, he became King of Syracuse. Born a potter's son, he lived a life of depravity from start to finish. All the same, mixed with that depravity were such excellent mental and physical qualities [ virtù ] that, having joined the Syracusan army, he rose through the ranks and eventually became commander-in-chief. (8.2)

On the other hand, we can hardly describe killing fellow citizens, betraying friends and living without loyalty, mercy or creed as signs of talent [virtù]. Methods like that may bring you power, but not glory. (8.3)

If you consider Agathocles' ability to take risks [virtù] and come out on top, and his remarkable spirit when it came to facing and overcoming obstacles, it's hard to see why he isn't rated as highly as the most outstanding military leaders. But his brutality, cruelty and inhumanity, together with the endless crimes he committed, mean he has no place among the men we most admire. In conclusion, we can't attribute Agathocles' achievements to luck or to positive qualities [virtù], since he needed neither. (8.3)

We can call this a monarchy with public support and to become its king you don't have to be wholly brilliant [virtù] or extraordinarily lucky, just shrewd in a lucky way. (9.1)

In this case all the difficulties an eventual ruler must face come before he takes power; because while you need ability [virtù] or luck to take a state like this you can hold on to it without either. (10.1)

If you look for the initial cause of the collapse of the Roman empire, you'll find it was when they started hiring Goths as mercenaries. From that moment on the strength of the empire began to decline and all the determination [virtù] that drained out of it went to strengthen its rivals. (13.7)

The only possible explanation for this was Hannibal's tremendous cruelty, which, together with his countless positive qualities [virtù], meant that his soldiers always looked up to him with respect and terror. The positive qualities [la altre sa virtù] without the cruelty wouldn't have produced the same effect. (17.7)

Severus had such a strong character [tanta virtù] that though he tyrannized the people to keep the army friendly he was always able to govern with success; his qualities [virtù] amazed and awed the people, impressed and pleased the army, so that both groups in their different ways admired him. (19.13)