: Niccolo Machiavelli famously argued in The Prince that the world is ruled by power and the calculated use of any means—including cruelty or deception—to maintain that power.
While Oxenstierna's quote is the primary source, other figures have offered "pieces" to this puzzle through different lenses: This is how the world is ruled
This quote is often used to highlight the idea that global affairs are frequently handled by fallible individuals making decisions with limited foresight or competence, rather than by a master plan of genius. Other Notable Perspectives : Niccolo Machiavelli famously argued in The Prince