Question

Machiavelli makes the point that leadership (and perhaps great leadership) occurs when conditions are such that great leadership is necessary. Do aspiring leaders need a crisis to shine?

Answer 1

According to Machiavelli the conditions brought about by a crisis are the same as those needed to establish power, status, and exercise good leadership. When a population experiences a crisis it looks to the government for leadership, when a leader is confident and assertive in these conditions they can establish enormous popular support and confidence, and in turn an opportunity to shine.