Kings are more prone to mistrust the good than the bad…
“Kings are more prone to mistrust the good than the bad; and they are always afraid of the virtues of others.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Rulers often distrust virtuous people and fear others' moral strength
In simple terms: Kings fear good people more than bad ones
Beware of mistrust that blinds leaders to virtue
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- court politics
- leadership training
- ethical governance
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does mistrust affect governance?
- Can leaders balance suspicion with fairness?
Fear of virtue can erode wise decision‑making