Quote by Niccolo Machiavelli
Many have dreamed up republics and principalities that have never in truth been known to exist; the gulf between how one should live and how one does live is so wide that a man who neglects what is actually done for what should be done learns the way to self-destruction rather than self-preservation.
Summary
This quote, attributed to Niccolò Machiavelli, suggests that there is often a stark contrast between the ideal way to live and the reality of how people actually live. The quote implies that those who focus solely on how things should be, rather than taking into account how they truly are, may jeopardize their own well-being. It cautions against neglecting the existing circumstances for an unattainable ideal, as such ignorance could lead to self-destructive consequences.
Topics
Idealism
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