Honesty is not always the best policy in politics from "summary" of The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli
In the complex world of politics, it is often necessary for a ruler to employ various tactics in order to maintain power and control. One of the most controversial tactics is the use of honesty. While honesty is generally considered a virtue in normal society, in the realm of politics, it can sometimes be a liability. A ruler who is always honest and forthright with his subjects may find himself at a disadvantage when dealing with cunning adversaries. In such situations, it may be more advantageous for a ruler to be deceptive and manipulative in order to achieve his goals. As Machiavelli famously said, "Hence it is to be remarked that, in seizing a state, the usurper ought to examine closely into all those injuries which it is necessary for him to inflict, and to do them all at one stroke so as not to have to repeat them daily." In essen...
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