Every one sees what you appear to be, few really know what you are, and those few dare not oppose themselves to the opinion of the many, who have the majesty of the state to defend them.
Niccolo MachiavelliRead
Many have imagined republics and principalities which have never been seen or known to exist in reality; for how we live is so far removed from how we ought to live, that he who abandons what is done for what ought to be done, will rather bring about his own ruin than his preservation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the gap between idealism and reality, warning against abandoning practical actions for unattainable ideals.
In this quote, Machiavelli reflects upon the disparity between the way society functions and the ideal behaviors we aspire to. He suggests that while many may dream of perfect systems of governance or morality, disregarding the realities of practicality in favor of those dreams can lead to one's downfall. Essentially, he warns that pursuing unattainable ideals without grounding oneself in reality can result in negative consequences.
Themes
RealityIdealismGovernancePracticalityConsequences
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a political debate to highlight the importance of practical governance.
More from Niccolo Machiavelli
All quotes →For that reason, let a prince have the credit of conquering and holding his state, the means will always be considered honest, and he will be praised by everybody because the vulgar are always taken by what a thing seems to be and by what comes of it; and in the world there are only the vulgar, for the few find a place there only when the many have no ground to rest on.
Niccolo MachiavelliRead
Whoever conquers a free town and does not demolish it commits a great error and may expect to be ruined himself.
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And here one must not that hatred is acquired just as much by means of good actions as by bad ones; and so, as I said above, if a prince wishes to maintain the state, he is often obliged not to be good; because whenever that group which you believe you need to support you is corrupted, whether it be the common people, the soldiers, or the nobles, it is to your advantage to follow their inclinations in order to satisfy them; and then good actions are your enemy.
Niccolo MachiavelliRead
The chief foundations of all states, new as well as old or composite, are good laws and good arms.
Niccolo MachiavelliRead
In war, discipline can do more than fury.
Niccolo MachiavelliRead
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