Book Inspiration: Be Like the Fox by Erica Benner

"A prince must imitate the fox and the lion, for the lion cannot protect himself from traps, and the fox cannot defend himself from wolves." – Niccolò Machiavelli

Machiavelli has long been misunderstood. Many see The Prince as a playbook for tyranny, a guide to deception and ruthless power plays. But as Be Like the Fox by Erica Benner reveals, the real Machiavelli was an idealist trapped in an unforgiving world. He didn’t advocate for oppression—he believed in the strength of republics. However, in a time of political instability, where saying the wrong thing could mean exile or death, he had to be careful. Like a fox, he adapted his language to the moment, ensuring his ideas would survive even if they couldn’t be spoken openly.

Adaptation in an Unfair World

Machiavelli’s brilliance wasn’t in advocating cruelty but in recognizing that leaders (whether in politics or business) don’t get to operate in perfect conditions. They work under constraints—often unfair ones. They must balance their ideals with the reality of their circumstances.

This is true in business as well. Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and executives often find themselves constrained by regulations, market conditions, or economic downturns they can’t control. The key isn’t to abandon principles but to navigate these challenges with both strategic cunning (the fox) and decisive boldness (the lion).

The Lion and the Fox: A Business Perspective

Machiavelli believed a leader must be adaptable. In business, this means:

• Knowing when to compromise and when to stand firm. Some fights are worth having, but others drain resources and energy.

• Understanding constraints without becoming a victim of them. Just because the game is unfair doesn’t mean you can’t win.

• Balancing ethics with pragmatism. The best business leaders aren’t those who ignore reality but those who navigate it while staying true to their long-term vision.

The Enduring Lesson: Thrive Despite the System

Machiavelli wasn’t a defender of tyranny—he was a strategist trying to preserve what he valued most: stability, governance, and human progress. He knew the world wasn’t fair, but he also believed that those who understand its mechanics can shape it for the better.

For business leaders today, the lesson is clear: Success doesn’t come from wishing for a fairer system, but from mastering the one we have. Like Machiavelli’s prince, we must be both lion and fox—bold when necessary, strategic always, and above all, adaptable in the face of change.

What constraints are you navigating today, and how are you using strategy to overcome them?