--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Machiavelli, however, took his bearings…" description: "\"Machiavelli, however, took his bearings from people as they are. He defined the political project as making the best of this flawed material. He knew (..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/88d/george-will-1177_century_machiavelli-however-took-his-bearings-fr_1083508.png" --- # Machiavelli, however, took his bearings from people as… ![“Machiavelli, however, took his bearings from people as they are. He defined the political project as making the best of this flawed material. He knew (in words Kant would write almost three centuries later) that nothing straight would be made from the crooked timber of humanity.” quote by George Will](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/88d/george-will-1177_century_machiavelli-however-took-his-bearings-fr_1083508.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/88d/george-will-1177_century_machiavelli-however-took-his-bearings-fr_1083508.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/88d/george-will-1177_century_machiavelli-however-took-his-bearings-fr_1083508.png) > “Machiavelli, however, took his bearings from people as they are. He defined the political project as making the best of this flawed material. He knew (in words Kant would write almost three centuries later) that nothing straight would be made from the crooked timber of humanity.” [George Will](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-will/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Machiavelli viewed politics as shaping imperfect human nature into workable governance, acknowledging humanity’s inherent flaws. **In simple terms:** Politics must work with flawed people. Key Takeaway Accept imperfection, design realistic policies. Themes politics human nature realism leadership Mood thoughtful analytical Type philosophical pragmatic When to use this quote - government reform - organizational leadership - public policy design - conflict resolution Key Concepts Machiavellianism ethical pragmatism social engineering Questions to Reflect On - How can leaders balance ideal goals with human flaws? - What policies respect human imperfection while promoting good? A Different Perspective Idealistic visions ignore human complexity. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Humanity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humanity/) [King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/king/) [Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/machiavelli/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Political](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/political/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [“Niccolo Machiavelli folded his arms across his chest and looked at the alchemyst. “I always knew we would meet again,” he said in French.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-scott/niccolo-machiavelli-folded-his-arms-across-his-chest-and-looked-at/) [Michael Scott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-scott/) > [“In other words, Kant is assuming that since voters are generally reasonable people, they will vote for reasonable governments that will act reasonably, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mencius-moldbug/in-other-words-kant-is-assuming-that-since-voters-are-generally/) [Mencius Moldbug](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mencius-moldbug/) > [Europe was initially supposed to be primarily a political project! 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