Ability#
Summary#
In Machiavelli’s political thought, ability (virtù) stands as one of two primary means by which new principalities are acquired and maintained, the other being fortune. Those who rise through their own ability rather than relying on fortune establish the strongest foundations for their rule. Machiavelli illustrates this through exemplary figures like Moses, Cyrus, Romulus, and Theseus, who combined personal ability with opportunity to create enduring states, and through Francesco Sforza, who rose from private station to Duke of Milan through proper means and great ability.