Discourses on Livy · Chapter
That we should never hazard our whole fortunes where we put not forth our entire strength; for which reason to guard a defile is often hurtful. explained
Machiavelli argues against staking a nation's entire fortune on a small fraction of its forces, as exemplified by Tullus and Metius.
What happens
Machiavelli argues against staking a nation's entire fortune on a small fraction of its forces, as exemplified by Tullus and Metius. He warns that defending narrow passes or defiles is often harmful because it prevents the full army from engaging, leads to panic if lost, and is easily bypassed by alternative routes. He cites Hannibal's crossing of the Alps and Francis I's invasion of Italy in 1515 as historical examples where defenders failed to stop invaders by guarding passes.
Themes in this chapter
Necessity and Reason of State
Machiavelli emphasizes the necessity of deploying full strength and avoiding risky gambles that could ruin the state.
Leadership and Moral Character
The chapter critiques commanders who hazard their entire fortune on a small force, highlighting poor strategic judgment.
Characters to notice
- Hannibal
Cited as an example of a commander who crossed the Alps successfully, while the Romans chose to meet him on open ground.
- Tullus Hostilius
Mentioned alongside Metius for staking the fate of their countries on a small number of soldiers.
- King Louis XII
Referenced indirectly through the 1515 campaign of Francis I of France, who bypassed Swiss guards in the mountains.
Key passages
“It was never judged a prudent course to peril your whole fortunes where you put not forth your whole strength; as may happen in more ways than one.”
It is never wise to risk everything you have unless you are also committing all your resources.
Machiavelli's core principle against partial commitment.
“For unless room be found in this place of strength for almost all your army, the attempt to hold it will almost always prove hurtful.”
If a defensive position cannot accommodate nearly your entire army, trying to hold it is usually harmful.
Practical military advice on the limitations of defending narrow passes.
“And any who read history with attention will find, that very few capable commanders have attempted to hold passes of this nature, as well for the reasons already given, as because to close them all were impossible.”
Attentive readers of history will see that few skilled commanders tried to defend such passes, both for the reasons stated and because it's impossible to block every route.
Historical generalization supporting the argument against defending defiles.