Niccolò Machiavelli describes fortune as an unpredictable force in "The Prince," rather than a reward that can be slowly earned through institutions. The phrase "Fortune favors the bold" was derived from Latin and predates him, rooted in Roman tradition.

He wrote during the early 16th century in a divided Italy, where city-states were interspersed with French, Spanish, and Papal forces, and Florence's institutions could not withstand external threats. He sought leaders who were decisive and willing to act during critical moments, rather than those who would draft ineffective parliamentary procedures.

Chapter 25 compares the goddess of fortune to an object that must be seized. His original intent was political: those who hesitate are swept away by fortune, while the vigorous and youthful can redirect their course during floods. The association with sexual allure is a later appropriation and not the theme of this chapter.

He also noted that fortune governs about half of events, leaving the other half to individuals. The brave do not guarantee victory; they simply do not relinquish decision-making power during the controllable half. In a disintegrating political system, waiting itself is considered a failure.

This phrase later left Florence and entered military, entrepreneurial, and seductive rhetoric. Each usage changes the subject, with floods and city-states not appearing. The original sentence opposed weak institutions, not personality traits.

Buyers interpret boldness as a qualification for leaders, founders, and pursuers, while sellers maintain their positions through procedures and delays. Events are driven by the repeated citation of texts. Resources shift from the hesitant to those who act first, benefiting those who can redirect during critical moments, while the old system that equates waiting with stability comes under pressure.

Source: Public Information