Machiavelli Quote by David Mitchell
““Men have imagined republics and principalities that never really existed at all. Yet the way men live is so far removed from the way they ought to live that anyone who abandons what ‘is’ for what ‘should be’ pursues his downfall rather than his preservation; for a man who strives after goodness in all his acts is sure to come to ruin, since there are so many men who are not good.” For this plainspoken pragmatism, Cardinal Pole denounced Niccolò Machiavelli as the devil’s apostle.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell, 2004
Pursuing idealistic goodness in a corrupt world leads to personal ruin because many people lack virtue.
In simple terms: Idealism can be self‑destructive in a flawed society.
Key Takeaway
Balance ideals with realistic expectations.
Themes
ethics
idealism
human nature
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- personal morality
- social reform
Key Concepts
Machiavellianism
pragmatism
virtue
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it wiser to adapt to reality or strive for perfection?
- How do you protect yourself when others are unethical?
A Different Perspective
Idealism may ignore practical constraints and cause harm.
