The Prince · Chapter
XXV: What Fortune Can Effect in Human Affairs and How to Withstand Her explained
Machiavelli argues that fortune governs only half of human actions, leaving the other half to free will and human effort.
What happens
Machiavelli argues that fortune governs only half of human actions, leaving the other half to free will and human effort. He compares fortune to a flooding river that can be controlled with proper barriers and defenses. A prince's success depends on aligning his actions with the spirit of the times; those who fail to adapt are ruined. He cites Pope Julius II as an example of impetuous action succeeding because it matched the times, and concludes that it is better to be adventurous than cautious, as fortune favors the bold.
Themes in this chapter
The Role of Fortune and Virtù
Machiavelli asserts fortune controls half of human affairs, but virtù (human skill and adaptability) can resist and channel it.
Pragmatism Over Morality
Success depends on adapting one's methods to the times, not on fixed moral principles.
The Importance of Public Perception
Julius II's boldness influenced the perceptions of Spain and Venice, causing them to hesitate.
Characters to notice
- Niccolò Machiavelli
Author and narrator, presenting his views on fortune and free will.
- Pope Julius II
Exemplar of impetuous action that succeeded due to alignment with the times.
- Giovanni Bentivogli
Mentioned as being alive during Julius II's first enterprise against Bologna.
- Louis XII
King of France, drawn into supporting Julius II's campaign.
- Ferdinand of Aragon
King of Spain, initially not agreeable to Julius II's enterprise but stood irresolute.
Key passages
“Fortune is the arbiter of one-half of our actions, but that she still leaves us to direct the other half, or perhaps a little less.”
Fortune controls about half of what happens, but we have free will over the rest.
Machiavelli's central thesis on the balance between fate and human agency.
“I compare her to one of those raging rivers, which when in flood overflows the plains... and yet, though its nature be such, it does not follow therefore that men, when the weather becomes fair, shall not make provision, both with defences and barriers.”
Fortune is like a flood that can be mitigated by building defenses in advance.
Analogy emphasizing preparation and human effort against fortune's force.
“Pope Julius the Second went to work impetuously in all his affairs, and found the times and circumstances conform so well to that line of action that he always met with success.”
Pope Julius II succeeded because his impulsive style matched the needs of his era.
Example of alignment between personal nature and the spirit of the times.
“Fortune is a woman, and if you wish to keep her under it is necessary to beat and ill-use her; and it is seen that she allows herself to be mastered by the adventurous rather than by those who go to work more coldly.”
Fortune favors bold, aggressive action over cautious deliberation.
Controversial metaphor advocating audacity to control fortune.