"When you disarm the people, you commence to offend them and show that you distrust them either through cowardice or lack of confidence, and both of these opinions generate hatred"
- Niccolo Machiavelli
About this Quote
This quote by Niccolo Machiavelli talks to the repercussions of deactivating a population. When a federal government or ruler deactivates its people, it sends a message that it either does not have self-confidence in them or is afraid. This message of question creates disgust from individuals, as they feel their civil liberties and also flexibilities are being taken away. This quote is an advising to leaders that disarming a population can have severe consequences, as it can cause a failure in trust fund as well as a boost in displeasure. Machiavelli's words are still relevant today, as federal governments have to be careful to balance the requirement for safety and security with the demand to shield the civil liberties of their people. Disarming a population can lead to a feeling of powerlessness and resentment, and can eventually bring about a breakdown in the partnership between the government and also its people.