Chapter 25: Preparation for Bad Fortune

In chapter XXV in ‘The Prince’: ‘Of the influence of fortune in human affairs, and how it may be counteracted’ Machiavelli judges that it may be assumed as true that Fortune to the extent of one half is the judge of our actions, but that she permits us to direct the other half, or perhaps a little less, ourselves. He believes that the prince who relies entirely upon fortune will be ruined according as fortune varies. Furthermore, the prince who conform his conduct to the spirit of the times will be fortunate; and in the same way he will be unfortunate, if he disregards the spirit of the times in his actions.

To what extent do Machiavelli’s thoughts apply to the roles and responsibilities of modern leaders from different countries, cultures and trades? How important is preparation in order to overcome bad fortune? And how important is it to adjust and change with the times?

Discover The Mind of a Leader…

Participants:
  Mads Øvlisen
  Björn Borg
  Dr. Ulrich Bez
  Franz Beckenbauer
  Stan Shih
  Philip Kotler
  Steven Hilton
  Tony Visconti
  Jim Buckmaster
  Bruce Cohen