Little Red Riding Hood: The Art of Power
In the spirit of Niccolò Machiavelli's The Prince
Little Red Riding Hood walked steadily through the forest path, clutching her basket. The wind whispered secrets through the trees, and shadows moved where no living thing should be. She knew the Wolf was near.
But she was no naïve child hoping for mercy or miracles.
True power doesn’t wait to be granted—it is taken, shaped, and defended.
1. Power belongs to those who understand it
From the shadows emerged the Wolf, his voice smooth, his eyes gleaming.
— Where are you headed, little girl? Don’t you know this forest belongs to the strong?
She didn’t flinch.
— And strength belongs to those who know how to use it. You may claim this forest, but I walk it by choice, not fear.
Real power lies not in land, but in foresight.
2. Cunning defeats brute force
— I could devour you right now, said the Wolf.
— And what then? Will you seize my basket blindly? Or march to a house not knowing what awaits you?
— What are you suggesting?
— That knowledge, not muscle, sustains the throne. That strategy, not size, dictates the victor.
3. Victory belongs to the one who acts first
The Wolf leaned closer. Red smiled slightly.
— In this basket lies something more dangerous than any trap — I carry knowledge.
Then came the moment: from beneath her cloak she drew a hidden blade.
— Your mistake, Wolf, wasn’t meeting me. It was assuming you were the only predator in this forest.
She walked away before he could react. Calm. Precise. Victorious.
Because true power belongs to those who think three steps ahead.
📜 Moral:
“It is better to be feared than loved — but best of all, to be underestimated until it’s far too late.”