.. If instead of colonies you send troops, the cost is vastly greater, and the whole revenues of the country are spent in guarding it so that the gain becomes a loss, and much deeper offense is given since in shifting the quarters of your soldiers from place to place the whole country suffers hardship, which as all feel, all are made enemies and enemies who remaining, although vanquished, in their own homes, have power to hurt. In every way, therefore, this mode of defense is as disadvantageous as that by colonizing is useful.Anonymous
About This Quote
In this quote, Machiavelli is making the point that country's wealth is better spent in maintaining a military than to attempt to control and maintain colonies. When a country spends its resources for military needs, it can protect its citizens better and provide for their needs without having to worry about the expense of maintaining colonies. This is especially true when a country has to abandon its colonies and focus all of its resources on protecting the home front. The cost of maintaining a military is much greater but the protection provided far outweighs the cost savings.
Source: The Prince
Some Similar Quotes
- I don't care if you're black, white, straight, bisexual, gay, lesbian, short, tall, fat, skinny, rich or poor. If you're nice to me, I'll be nice to you. Simple as that.
- That was when it was all made painfully clear to me. When you are a child, there is joy. There is laughter. And most of all, there is trust. <span style="margin:15px; display:block"></span>Trust in your fellows. When you are an adult..then comes suspicion, hatred, and fear....
- Be grateful for what you already have while you pursue your goals. If you aren’t grateful for what you already have, what makes you think you would be happy with more.
- It’s only after you’ve stepped outside your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow, and transform.
- Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world.