“A wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be against his interests.”
- 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
“A wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be against his interests.”
Explanation
In this quote, Niccolò Machiavelli articulates a core aspect of his realist philosophy of politics, where pragmatism and self-preservation take precedence over traditional notions of honor and faithfulness. For Machiavelli, a wise ruler—or prince—must be guided by the principle of maintaining power and ensuring the stability of the state. If keeping a promise or adhering to an agreement harms the ruler’s interests or threatens the state, then breaking that commitment is not only permissible but necessary. This reflects his broader belief that the ends justify the means when it comes to political leadership, and a ruler must be willing to act in their own best interest, even at the cost of conventional morality.
Machiavelli’s view was shaped by the volatile political landscape of Renaissance Italy, where alliances, treaties, and promises were often short-lived and opportunistic. City-states were constantly at war with each other, and political leaders had to navigate shifting allegiances. The ability to break faith when it suited a ruler’s interests was, in Machiavelli’s view, a necessary skill for survival. He suggests that a ruler should not be bound by moral constraints if those constraints prevent the pursuit of self-interest or state security. An example from history could be seen in the actions of King Henry VIII of England, who famously broke with the Roman Catholic Church and annulled his marriages when it suited his dynastic and political goals.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to the realpolitik approach in both international diplomacy and corporate strategy. For instance, politicians or heads of state might abandon agreements with other countries or international organizations if continuing to honor those agreements would harm their nation’s economic interests or security. Similarly, in the business world, companies may renege on contracts or adjust partnerships if it ultimately benefits the company’s bottom line or market position. However, this approach can lead to ethical dilemmas, as breaking agreements may undermine trust and create long-term consequences. Despite this, Machiavelli’s idea suggests that a ruler’s primary duty is to maintain power, and sometimes this requires sacrificing principles for practical considerations.
