If you only notice human proceedings, you may observe that…
““If you only notice human proceedings, you may observe that all who attain great power and riches, make use of either force or fraud; and what they have acquired either by deceit or violence, in order to conceal the disgraceful methods of attainment, they endeavor to sanctify with the false title of honest gains. Those who either from imprudence or want of sagacity avoid doing so, are always overwhelmed with servitude and poverty; for faithful servants are always servants, and honest men are always poor; nor do any ever escape from servitude but the bold and faithless, or from poverty, but the rapacious and fraudulent. God and nature have thrown all human fortunes into the midst of mankind; and they are thus attainable rather by rapine than by industry, by wicked actions rather than by good. Hence it is that men feed upon each other, and those who cannot defend themselves must be worried.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Power is often obtained through unethical means, and those who acquire it dishonestly will try to legitimize it, while honest people remain poor and servile.
In simple terms: Power often comes from fraud or force, and honesty leads to poverty.
Key Takeaway
Recognize ethical costs of power and seek integrity.
Themes
politics
ethics
power
corruption
justice
Mood
cynical
serious
thoughtful
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- corporate leadership
- political campaigns
- legal negotiations
- personal ambition
Key Concepts
Machiavellianism
moral relativism
social hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- Is power always corrupt?
- Can honesty thrive in competitive environments?
A Different Perspective
May overgeneralize historical contexts.