The rulers of the state are the only persons who ought to…
“The rulers of the state are the only persons who ought to have the privilege of lying, either at home or abroad; they may be allowed to lie for the good of the state.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Leaders may justify deception if they believe it serves the state's interests, separating political truth from personal honesty.
In simple terms: Rulers can lie for the state's benefit.
Key Takeaway
Consider ethical limits of political deception.
Themes
politics
ethics
leadership
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government negotiations
- crisis management
- policy making
- public relations
Key Concepts
Machiavellianism
utilitarianism
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- When is deception justified for the common good?
- How does secrecy affect citizen engagement?
A Different Perspective
Such lies can erode public trust and legitimacy.