"What clever man has ever needed to commit a crime? Crime is the last resort of political half-wits"

This quote by Charles Maurice de Talleyrand recommends that crime is not a necessary or desirable activity for a brilliant person. He indicates that crime is a sign of inexperience, and also is only turned to by those that do not have the knowledge or political acumen to attain their goals in a much more genuine manner. Talleyrand suggests that criminal offense suggests anxiety, which those that commit it are not specifically intelligent or capable. He suggests that criminal offense suggests a lack of understanding of the political system, which those that commit it are not particularly experienced at browsing the intricacies of the political landscape. Talleyrand's quote suggests that criminal activity signifies a lack of knowledge as well as political savvy, and that those that devote it are not especially smart.