"Affairs that depend on many rarely succeed"

Francesco Guicciardini’s maxim, “Affairs that depend on many rarely succeed,” draws from the nuanced realities of collective human activity and the pursuit of shared objectives. When multiple individuals, groups, or interests are involved in a single project or enterprise, the chances of success are often diminished not due to a lack of effort, but as a consequence of complexity, divergent motivations, and conflicting interests.

Each participant in a collective venture brings unique priorities, preferences, and perspectives, resulting in challenges for coordination and consensus. Decision-making becomes slower, as compromises must be negotiated and approval sought from various parties. Differing agendas or visions can lead to fragmentation, with some actors pursuing self-interest, while others may lack motivation or enthusiasm if their input feels undervalued or ignored. Miscommunication grows more probable, and the diffusion of responsibility can lead to slackness or blame-shifting when difficulties arise.

Guicciardini, observing the political intrigues and failed alliances of Renaissance Italy, recognized that coalitions and councils, whether in government, business, or society, frequently stall or falter. The need for unity often devolves into endless debate or diluted action, where the original objectives become secondary to keeping all parties satisfied. Effective execution, decisive action, and clarity of purpose are hampered by a multiplicity of voices competing for influence.

Yet, the maxim is not merely pessimistic; it is realistic. While there is power in collective effort, efficacious achievement depends on clear leadership, defined roles, and the alignment of interests. Projects that can minimize unnecessary dependencies or manage them with strong structure and communication are more likely to thrive. Guicciardini’s observation serves as a warning and a guide: collaborative ventures require vigilance, strong organization, and the anticipation of discord. Success emerges less from the number of participants and more from the unity and purpose with which they act.