Adaptability: Mastering Fortune

Machiavelli frequently compares fortune to a river that floods unpredictably. While leaders cannot control everything, they can prepare by being adaptable and proactive. He encourages rulers to anticipate potential threats and adapt their strategies accordingly. Machiavelli suggests that fortune favors those who act boldly and seize opportunities when they arise. However, he warns that relying too heavily on luck or timing without preparation can lead to ruin. A successful leader must balance calculated risk-taking with prudence to ride the tides of fortune.