Any man who tries to be good all the time is bound to come…
“Any man who tries to be good all the time is bound to come to ruin among the great number who are not good. Hence a prince who wants to keep his authority must learn how not to be good, and use that knowledge, or refrain from using it, as necessity requires.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Rulers may need to act immorally to maintain power, balancing virtue with necessity.
In simple terms: Power sometimes requires unethical actions.
Key Takeaway
Use pragmatism over idealism.
Themes
politics
power
ethics
leadership
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
strategic
When to use this quote
- statecraft
- crisis management
- policy decisions
Key Concepts
realpolitik
Machiavellian strategy
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it justified to abandon moral standards?
- What are the long‑term costs of ruthless governance?
A Different Perspective
Moral compromise can erode legitimacy and trust.