Evil Quote by Niccolo Machiavelli
“Wisdom consists of knowing how to distinguish the nature of trouble, and in choosing the lesser evil.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Prince, 1532
Wisdom is recognizing the nature of trouble and choosing the lesser evil.
In simple terms: Choose the lesser evil wisely.
Key Takeaway
Select the lesser harm.
Themes
ethics
decision-making
politics
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
philosophical
pragmatic
When to use this quote
- leadership crises
- policy choices
- personal dilemmas
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
pragmatism
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- When is a lesser evil acceptable?
- How to evaluate long‑term consequences?
A Different Perspective
Choosing the lesser evil may still cause harm.
![“Evil cannot be "treated" -- nor should it be. Evil has to [be] confronted and destroyed and it matters not why the evil is in play. Society has no obligation to try to rehabilitate evil.” quote by Bill O'Reilly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b89/bill-o-reilly-1019_destroyed_evil-cannot-be-treated-nor-should-it-be_3597.jpg)
