SOCRATES: It is the one mentioned at the end of your first little chapter. You say that a prince wins a dominion in one of two ways: either by virtù or by fortuna. MACHIAVELLI: Or by a combination of both. SOCRATES: So you classify all that happens in human history as due to these two forces, correct? MACHIAVELLI: Yes. SOCRATES: So this is your first, most basic principle of explanation, is it not? MACHIAVELLI: Yes. But I did not begin with this principle and then try to deduce anything from it.