Cunning Quote by Leo Tolstoy
“One must be cunning and wicked in this world.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: War and Peace, 1869
Survival in a harsh world often demands cleverness and moral flexibility.
In simple terms: Cunning and wickedness are sometimes needed to survive.
Key Takeaway
Embrace strategic thinking, but beware of losing humanity.
Themes
survival
morality
strategy
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- political intrigue
- business competition
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
realpolitik
ethical relativism
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it worth compromising ethics for advantage?
- How can one stay moral in ruthless environments?
A Different Perspective
Such behavior can erode trust and long‑term stability.
![“But what world says that [I'm wicked]? It can only be the next world. This world and I are on excellent terms.” quote by Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bb6/oscar-wilde-16_excellent_but-what-world-says-that-i-m-wicked-it-c_587978.jpg)
