Ethics Quote by Jacques Barzun
![“[The prince] dare not let ethics keep him from doing whatever evil must be done to preserve himself and the state.” quote by Jacques Barzun](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b1f/jacques-barzun-3251_machiavelli_the-prince-dare-not-let-ethics-keep-him_2871918.jpg)
““[The prince] dare not let ethics keep him from doing whatever evil must be done to preserve himself and the state.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Crisis of the Modern World, 1965
A prince must sometimes set aside ethics to commit necessary evils for self‑preservation and the stability of the state.
In simple terms: Ethics may be ignored for state survival.
Key Takeaway
Weigh moral costs against political necessity.
Themes
politics
ethics
statecraft
Mood
critical
serious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- war decisions
- policy making
- diplomacy
- leadership crises
Key Concepts
realpolitik
philosophy
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- When is immoral action justified?
- How to maintain integrity in governance?
A Different Perspective
Moral compromise can erode legitimacy.
![“He [the prince] holds to what is right when he can but knows how to do wrong when he must.” quote by Niccolò Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/07c/niccolo-machiavelli-368_quote_he-the-prince-holds-to-what-is-right-whe_2936948.jpg)
