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It is truly natural and ordinary thing to desire gain; and…

“It is truly natural and ordinary thing to desire gain; and when those who can succeed attempt it, they will always be praised and not blamed. But if they cannot succeed, yet try anyway, they are guilty of error and are blameworthy.” quote by Niccolò Machiavelli
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““It is truly natural and ordinary thing to desire gain; and when those who can succeed attempt it, they will always be praised and not blamed. But if they cannot succeed, yet try anyway, they are guilty of error and are blameworthy.””

Niccolò Machiavelli

About This Quote

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

Society praises successful ambition but condemns failed attempts, creating a double standard that discourages risk‑taking and learning from failure.

In simple terms: Success is praised, failure blamed.

Key Takeaway

Encourage effort regardless of outcome.

Themes

ambition success failure

Mood

critical reflective

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • entrepreneurship
  • career advancement
  • academic research
  • sports competition

Key Concepts

ethics social psychology leadership

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we value effort over results?
  • What systems reward learning from failure?
A Different Perspective

Fear of blame can stifle innovation and growth.

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