Machiavellian Misquotes

Machiavelli did not write ‘the end justifies the means.’ It is a modern condensation – and somewhat of a simplification – of an idea expressed in The Prince. However memorable it is, he had a lot more to say about politics and the behaviour of rulers than that one line.

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Machiavelli believed strongly in law, as long as it served the greater good of the state.

Machiavelli constantly reminds readers that rulers need to make tough decisions to maintain order, and at times be cruel in the short term in order to achieve order or happiness and stability in the long term.

Here’s where ‘the end justifies the means’ comes in. Machiavelli wrote that the effect of a ruler’s actions mattered more than the deeds themselves, as long as the end was good for the state.

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He also did not write that other popular internet meme, ‘I’m not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it.’ That was actually said by US Republican Newt Gringrich, and is taken from a 1991 interview printed in the LA Times:

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Other things Machiavelli did NOT say include these pseudo-quotes taken from various, mostly inaccurate and never verified, quotation sites online:

• “Politics have no relation to morals.”
• “It is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver.”
• “Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage.”
• “It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles.”
• “The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.”
• “Before all else, be armed.”
• “The more sand has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should see through it.”
• “History is written by the victors.”
• “One should never fall in the belief that you can find someone to pick you up.”
• “God creates men, but they choose each other.”
• “Princes and governments are far more dangerous than other elements within society.”
• “A prince is also esteemed when he is a true friend and a true enemy.”
• “He who blinded by ambition, raises himself to a position whence he cannot mount higher, must thereafter fall with the greatest loss.”
• “War is just when it is necessary; arms are permissible when there is no hope except in arms.”
• “Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.”