Courses Quote by Niccolo Machiavelli
“Men generally decide upon a middle course, which is most hazardous, for they know neither how to be entirely good nor entirely bad.”
About This Quote
Choosing a moderate path is risky because it avoids the clarity of fully good or fully bad, leading to indecision and vulnerability.
In simple terms: Middle ground can be the most dangerous.
Key Takeaway
Extremes provide clearer moral direction.
Themes
ethics
moderation
risk
decision‑making
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political negotiation
- business strategy
- personal ethics dilemmas
Key Concepts
moral ambiguity
strategic vulnerability
Practical Applications
- Define core values before decisions
- Assess risks of indecision
Questions to Reflect On
- When does a middle path become prudent?
- How can we recognize when extremes are harmful?
A Different Perspective
Moderation can also preserve balance and prevent extremes from causing harm.
![“Safety lies in the middle course. [Lat., Medio tutissimus ibis.]” quote by Ovid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/670/ovid-276_courses_safety-lies-in-the-middle-course-lat-med_310591.jpg)
![“In everything the middle course is best: all things in excess bring trouble to men. [Lat., Modus omnibus in rebus, soror, optimum est habitu; Nimia omnia nimium exhibent negotium hominibus ex se.]” quote by Plautus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ad2/plautus-1263_all-things_in-everything-the-middle-course-is-best_1003514.jpg)
![“Bernie [Ecclestone] is the commercial rights holder so the more outgoing the champion is, the better. Of course. I also do think about our sport and want to make an effort - but in my own way. I am Nico [Rosberg] and not Lewis [Hamilton]!” quote by Bernie Ecclestone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/15c/bernie-ecclestone-8452_champion_bernie-ecclestone-is-the-commercial-righ_2948.jpg)
![“Leave a cavity behind the [wall] facings, and on the inside build walls two feet thick, made of red dimension stone or burnt brick or lava in courses, and then bind them to the fronts by means of iron clamps and lead. The beds and builds, all settling equally and bonded at the joints, will not let…” quote by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d76/marcus-vitruvius-pollio-7498_bed_leave-a-cavity-behind-the-wall-facings-a_5922.jpg)
