Doe Quote by Niccolo Machiavelli
“A prudent man should always follow in the path trodden by great men and imitate those who are most excellent, so that if he does not attain to their greatness, at any rate he will get some tinge of it.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Prince, 1513
Emulating great men offers a chance to achieve partial excellence, even if full greatness is unattainable.
In simple terms: Copy great people to gain some excellence.
Learn from the best.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- career development
- political ambition
- personal growth
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Which virtues will you adopt?
- When is imitation harmful?
Blind imitation can stifle originality.