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A prudent man... must behave like those archers who, if…

“A prudent man... must behave like those archers who, if they are skillful, when the target seems too distant, know the capabilities of their bow and aim a good deal higher than their objective, not in order to shoot so high but so that by aiming high they can reach the target.” quote by Niccolo Machiavelli
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“A prudent man... must behave like those archers who, if they are skillful, when the target seems too distant, know the capabilities of their bow and aim a good deal higher than their objective, not in order to shoot so high but so that by aiming high they can reach the target.”

Niccolo Machiavelli

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Skilled archers aim above distant targets, using their tool’s capacity to eventually hit the goal.

In simple terms: Aim higher than the obvious target.

Key Takeaway

Set ambitious goals, leverage strengths.

Themes

strategy ambition skill

Mood

strategic pragmatic

Type

political inspirational

When to use this quote

  • business planning
  • personal development
  • sports coaching
  • military tactics

Key Concepts

goal setting resource management psychology leadership

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is aiming higher counterproductive?
  • How to balance ambition with realism?
A Different Perspective

Overreaching can waste resources.

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