“We cannot attribute to fortune or virtue that which is achieved without either.”
- 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
“We cannot attribute to fortune or virtue that which is achieved without either.”
Explanation
In this statement, Niccolò Machiavelli emphasizes that success or achievement cannot solely be credited to fortune (luck) or virtue (moral excellence or skill) if it is not clearly the result of either of these factors. For Machiavelli, true success involves a combination of strategic action, personal effort, and the favorable influence of fortune or virtue, but the key point here is that if success is achieved without these factors—whether through mere happenstance or by questionable means—it cannot be credited to them. He rejects the idea that outcomes are always the result of external forces (fortune) or inherent goodness (virtue), implying that other factors, including calculated decisions or opportunism, play a significant role in achieving success.
This perspective fits within Machiavelli’s broader realist approach to politics and human nature, where he stresses that outcomes are often the result of human agency, cleverness, and the ability to take advantage of circumstances rather than relying on divine favor or moral virtue. In his most famous work, The Prince, Machiavelli frequently discusses the role of luck in shaping political outcomes but also insists that a ruler’s success largely depends on their ability to adapt, strategize, and take decisive action. In this sense, Machiavelli’s assertion in this quote serves as a reminder that success is often a result of pragmatism and circumstance rather than simply the workings of luck or moral character.
In modern contexts, the quote is applicable in areas like business, sports, or politics, where people may achieve success not just because of talent or good fortune, but because they were able to seize opportunities, outmaneuver competitors, or act decisively at the right moment. For example, a business leader may not owe their success solely to having a great product (virtue) or to being lucky (fortune), but rather to their ability to strategically navigate the market, take risks, and adapt to changing conditions. In politics, a candidate who wins an election may not do so purely because of their character or the favorable political climate but due to their ability to connect with voters, capitalize on weaknesses of opponents, or respond to shifting public sentiments. Machiavelli’s quote reminds us that success is complex and is not always attributable to just one factor, but rather to a combination of ability, timing, and adaptation to the surrounding circumstances.
