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It's better to be impulsive than cautious; fortune is…

“It's better to be impulsive than cautious; fortune is female and if you want to stay on top of her you have to slap and thrust. You'll see she's more likely to yield that way than to men who go about her coldly. And being a woman she likes her men young, because they're not so cagey, they're…” quote by Niccolò Machiavelli
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““It's better to be impulsive than cautious; fortune is female and if you want to stay on top of her you have to slap and thrust. You'll see she's more likely to yield that way than to men who go about her coldly. And being a woman she likes her men young, because they're not so cagey, they're wilder and more daring when they master her.””

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.

Impulsivity and bold action are portrayed as more effective than cautious restraint in gaining favor, especially with women.

In simple terms: Bold action wins over caution.

Key Takeaway

Act boldly to seize opportunities.

Themes

power gender risk strategy

Mood

provocative assertive

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • political maneuvering
  • romantic pursuit
  • career advancement
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

Machiavellianism human nature courtship

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is impulsivity always advantageous?
  • When does caution become a virtue?
A Different Perspective

Boldness can backfire if misapplied or unethical.

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