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.”
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.
Question ethics of power.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- leadership
- historical analysis
- social critique
- media commentary
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Is moral judgment relative to outcomes?
- Can a leader be both great and vile?
Success does not justify harm.