Benefits Quote by Niccolo Machiavelli
“Delusion gives you more happiness than truth gives to me. For injuries ought to be done all at one time, so that, being tasted less, they offend less; benefits ought to be given little by little, so that the flavour of them may last longer.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Prince, Niccolò Machiavelli, 1532
Delusion can be more comforting than harsh reality, and gradual delivery of benefits makes them more appreciated.
In simple terms: Comfort can come from falsehoods; small doses of good last longer.
Key Takeaway
Accept small pleasures, but beware of self‑deception.
Themes
comfort
delusion
gratification
psychology
trust
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- leadership
- marketing
- therapy
- education
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
temporal discounting
hedonic adaptation
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prioritize short‑term comfort over long‑term truth?
- How can you balance honesty with emotional well‑being?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on illusion can erode long‑term resilience and truth‑seeking.
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