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Philosophy

Machiavelli's Triad: Fortune, Virtù, and Republican Liberty

Quick fact

Machiavelli argued that fortune controls only half of our actions; the other half is governed by virtù, a blend of boldness, adaptability, and civic skill. He likened fortune to a raging river that can be channeled by dikes and embankments built through prudent planning.

Why this is interesting

What if a leader could bend luck itself to their will? Machiavelli thought they could—if they understood the rules of the game.