"The wish to acquire more is admittedly a very natural and common thing; and when men succeed in this they are always praised rather than condemned. But when they lack the ability to do so and yet want to acquire more at all costs, they deserve condemnation for their mistakes"
- Niccolo Machiavelli
About this Quote
This quote by Niccolo Machiavelli speaks with the concept that aspiration and the desire to get more is a natural and typical thing, and when individuals succeed in doing so, they are applauded. Nevertheless, when people lack the capability to acquire more, yet still wish to do so at all expenses, they must be condemned for their errors. This quote speaks to the idea that ambition is a good thing, however it should be tempered with the understanding that it is not always possible to achieve one's objectives. It is important to be reasonable and comprehend one's limitations, and not to be too enthusiastic and take on more than one can manage.
"I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong"