A wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be against his interests.

The quote by Niccolo Machiavelli — “A wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be against his interests” — reflects Machiavelli’s pragmatic and often controversial approach to politics and power. He suggests that for a ruler, loyalty or keeping promises should not be unconditional but rather guided by practical considerations and self-interest. If maintaining faith or honor conflicts with political survival or advantage, it may be wiser to break it.

This quote highlights Machiavelli’s belief in the importance of realpolitik, where the ends often justify the means. Unlike traditional moral or ethical standards, Machiavelli advocates for flexibility and shrewdness in leadership. The ruler’s primary goal is to maintain power and stability, even if that requires deception or betrayal.

The origin of this quote comes from Machiavelli’s famous work The Prince, written in the early 16th century. The book is a guide for rulers on how to acquire and maintain political power, often challenging conventional ideas of morality. Machiavelli’s writings have been both praised for their insight and criticized for their apparent cynicism.

In essence, this quote teaches that in politics, strict adherence to faith or promises may sometimes be impractical or harmful. It encourages leaders to prioritize their interests and the welfare of their state, even if it means breaking conventional ethical rules.