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In order not to annul our free will, I judge it true that…

“In order not to annul our free will, I judge it true that Fortune may be mistress of one half our actions but then even she leaves the other half, or almost, under our control.” quote by Niccolo Machiavelli
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“In order not to annul our free will, I judge it true that Fortune may be mistress of one half our actions but then even she leaves the other half, or almost, under our control.”

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.

Fortune controls half our actions; the other half remains under our control.

In simple terms: Fortune decides half, we control the rest.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and act on what you can control.

Themes

free will fortune agency

Mood

analytical strategic

Type

philosophical advice

When to use this quote

  • decision‑making
  • leadership
  • personal responsibility

Key Concepts

political theory ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you differentiate chance from choice?
  • What strategies increase your control over outcomes?
A Different Perspective

Fortune’s influence can be larger than perceived.

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