“The promise given was a necessity of the past: the word broken is a necessity of the present.”
- May 3, 1469 – June 21, 1527
- Born in the Republic of Florence (Italy)
- Political thinker and diplomat
- Wrote The Prince, built the foundations of modern political science, and advocated realist political thought
Quote
“The promise given was a necessity of the past: the word broken is a necessity of the present.”
Explanation
In this quote, Niccolò Machiavelli articulates a key theme in his political philosophy: the fluidity of moral and political obligations in response to changing circumstances. He suggests that while a promise may have been necessary or appropriate in the past, the current situation may require breaking that promise to better align with present needs or interests. For Machiavelli, political reality often demands pragmatism over consistency in moral or ethical commitments. The ruler, according to Machiavelli, must be willing to adapt to new realities, even if it means abandoning prior promises in order to maintain power or secure the stability of the state.
This idea reflects Machiavelli’s belief that the ruler’s primary responsibility is the survival and prosperity of the state. If keeping a promise would undermine those objectives, then breaking it becomes, in his view, not only justified but essential. Machiavelli’s work, especially in The Prince, advocates for flexibility and realism, urging rulers to be cunning and strategic in navigating the ever-shifting dynamics of politics, where previous commitments might no longer serve the leader’s current goals. This may have been influenced by the unstable political climate of Renaissance Italy, where alliances were constantly in flux, and leaders frequently had to adjust their positions to survive.
In modern times, the idea that promises can be broken when circumstances change still resonates in both political and business contexts. Leaders may abandon agreements or commitments when economic conditions, public opinion, or international relations evolve, and continuing to honor those promises could be detrimental. For example, a government might break a treaty or renegotiate trade agreements when the nation’s economic interests change or when it faces new threats. Similarly, in the corporate world, companies might break agreements with suppliers, investors, or employees if it aligns better with their current strategic goals. However, while Machiavelli emphasizes pragmatism, such actions often carry risks to a leader’s credibility and trustworthiness, reflecting the delicate balance between realpolitik and the long-term consequences of betraying commitments.
