Quotation
Last reviewed:
“The ends justify the means.”
Niccolò Machiavelli · Political realism · Renaissance · later slogan, not 1513
What does it mean?
The ends justify the means. Machiavelli never wrote this sentence. The Prince does discuss cases in which a ruler's cruel means are judged by the stability they produce, especially in chapter 18. That is an argument a reader can reject. It is not this slogan, which has no limits and no author. A rival reading says the slogan is what he meant, so the wording is a quibble. He is narrower and colder: a new prince must learn how not to be good when necessity requires.
Did Niccolò Machiavelli really say this?
The library’s label is Misattributed. Machiavelli never wrote this sentence. The Prince does discuss cases in which a ruler's cruel means are judged by the stability they produce, especially in chapter 18. That is an argument a reader can reject. It is not this slogan, which has no limits and no author.
Where it comes from
Not a sentence in The Prince or the Discourses
Approximate date: later slogan, not 1513.
How to use it
If you are tempted by the slogan, in a board paper or a campaign, force yourself to read chapter 18 instead. You will have a real text to accept or refuse, which is more grown-up than a fake permission slip. The chapter may still offend you. The offence will be about something he wrote.
A mindset reading
Reputation first, sentence second: that direction of travel is the thing to notice. 'Machiavellian' did the writing. The book was not consulted, which is why the slogan has no limits and his chapters do.
Understand the philosophy
Chapter 18 is about appearing to have virtues and about when a prince breaks faith. It is not a general moral theory of 'any method, if the goal is good'. The slogan is that general theory. He did not sign it.
- power
- ethics
- justice
FAQ
What does it mean?
The ends justify the means. Machiavelli never wrote this sentence. The Prince does discuss cases in which a ruler's cruel means are judged by the stability they produce, especially in chapter 18. That is an argument a reader can reject. It is not this slogan, which has no limits and no author. A rival reading says the slogan is what he meant, so the wording is a quibble. He is narrower and colder: a new prince must learn how not to be good when necessity requires.
Did Niccolò Machiavelli really say this?
Misattributed. Machiavelli never wrote this sentence. The Prince does discuss cases in which a ruler's cruel means are judged by the stability they produce, especially in chapter 18. That is an argument a reader can reject. It is not this slogan, which has no limits and no author.
Which work is it in?
Not a sentence in The Prince or the Discourses Approximate date: later slogan, not 1513.