If the chief party, whether it be the people, or the army…
“If the chief party, whether it be the people, or the army, or the nobility, which you think most useful and of most consequence to you for the conservation of your dignity, be corrupt, you must follow their humor and indulge them, and in that case honesty and virtue are pernicious.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
When corrupt leaders dominate, honesty becomes dangerous; survival may require moral compromise.
In simple terms: Virtue can be harmful under corrupt power.
Key Takeaway
Adapt ethically to protect dignity.
Themes
politics
corruption
morality
survival
Mood
cautious
pragmatic
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- government
- corporate culture
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
Machiavellianism
ethics
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it justified to conceal truth?
- What are the costs of moral compromise?
A Different Perspective
Compromise may erode personal integrity.