It ought to be remembered that there is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or. More uncertain in it’s success, than to take the lead in introducing a née order of things, because the innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under the old conditions, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new. This coolness arises partle from the fear of opponents—who have laws on their side—and partly from the incredulity of men, who do not readily believe in new things until they have had a long experience of them.
Machiavelli, The Prince
