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A politician who climbs high over the bodies of the slain…

“A politician who climbs high over the bodies of the slain is described as vile or great according to the degree of his success.” quote by Robert Musil
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“A politician who climbs high over the bodies of the slain is described as vile or great according to the degree of his success.”

Robert Musil

About This Quote

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

A politician’s moral judgment depends on success; climbing over victims can be seen as vile or great.

In simple terms: Success skews moral view of leaders.

Key Takeaway

Question ethics of power.

Themes

politics ethics success

Mood

thought‑provoking critical

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • leadership
  • historical analysis
  • social critique
  • media commentary

Key Concepts

morality relativism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is moral judgment relative to outcomes?
  • Can a leader be both great and vile?
A Different Perspective

Success does not justify harm.

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