Chapter 6 Summary

Do not be surprised if the following discussion uses a lot of outstanding examples. A smart man will always try to imitate the actions of those that succeeded in life. Even if he isn't as smart as the men he imitates, he will still gain a measure of their success. He is like an archer who, knowing he can't hit the first target, aims for one more ambitious in an effort to hit the first.

The amount of trouble a new prince has in a newly acquired territory depends on his degree of ability. One can assume that, since he rose from a private citizen to a prince, he has some measure of talent or good fortune. Either of these will help lessen the difficulties he may experience. The prince that relies the least upon favorable circumstances has the most chance of succeeding...