Art Quote by Niccolo Machiavelli
“Then also pretexts for seizing property are never wanting, and one who begins to live by rapine will always find some reason for taking the goods of others, whereas causes for taking life are rarer and more quickly destroyed.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Prince, 1532
Exploiting others for gain is justified only when it serves a higher purpose, unlike taking life which is rarely defensible.
In simple terms: Seizing property is often rationalized; killing is not.
Key Takeaway
Weigh moral justification of actions.
Themes
politics
ethics
power
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- political strategy
- legal disputes
- military decisions
Key Concepts
utilitarianism
moral relativism
Questions to Reflect On
- When is taking property moral?
- Can any act of violence be justified?
A Different Perspective
Justifications can be self‑serving.
