All histories do show, and wise politicians do hold it necessary that, for the well-governing of every Commonweal, it behoveth man to presuppose that all men are evil, and will declare themselves so to be when occasion is offered.

Summary

This quote suggests that in order to effectively govern a society, one must understand that all individuals have the potential for evil and will manifest it when given the opportunity. It emphasizes the importance for politicians to be aware of the inherent fallibility and selfishness of human nature when making decisions. By assuming that everyone has the capacity for nefarious actions, leaders can implement measures to prevent or mitigate the negative impacts that may arise. It serves as a reminder to be cautious and take into account human nature's darker aspects when governing a commonwealth.

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