Skip to content

Those who either from imprudence or want of sagacity avoid…

“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…” quote by Niccolo Machiavelli
Download Open image
“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.”

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.

Argues that prudence and wisdom prevent servitude and poverty, while boldness and dishonesty lead to freedom from both.

In simple terms: Wisdom avoids oppression; boldness and deceit can break it.

Key Takeaway

Balance caution with bold action.

Themes

politics ethics economics power

Mood

reflective cautious

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • leadership decisions
  • financial planning
  • social reform
  • personal risk‑taking

Key Concepts

prudence servitude poverty boldness fraud

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is boldness justified?
  • How does wisdom protect against exploitation?
A Different Perspective

Boldness without ethics can cause harm; prudence may limit opportunity.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Niccolo Machiavelli

Explore all 590 Niccolo Machiavelli quotes

More Art quotes

Browse all 48,643 Art quotes