There is nothing so fleeting as the memory of benefits received.
Francesco GuicciardiniRead
Conspiracies, since they cannot be engaged in without the fellowship of others, are for that reason most perilous; for as most men are either fools or knaves, we run excessive risk in making such folk our companions.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Conspiracies require collaboration, which can be dangerous due to the unreliable nature of people involved.
This quote by Francesco Guicciardini emphasizes the inherent risks associated with conspiracies, highlighting that engaging in such activities necessitates the involvement of others. Since people can often be foolish or deceitful, trusting them as partners in conspiracies poses a significant danger to one's integrity and safety.
Themes
ConspiraciesTrustRiskCompanionshipFellowship
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion about the importance of choosing friends wisely, one might cite this quote to illustrate the dangers of conspiratorial thinking.
More from Francesco Guicciardini
All quotes →If you attempt certain things at the right time, they are easy to accomplish - in fact, they almost get done by themselves. If you undertake them before the time is right, not only will they fail, but they will often become impossible to accomplish even when the time would have been right.
Francesco GuicciardiniRead
He who imitates what is evil always goes beyond the example that is set; on the contrary, he who imitates what is good always falls short.
Francesco GuicciardiniRead
Let no one trust so entirely to natural prudence as to persuade himself that it will suffice to guide him without help from experience.
Francesco GuicciardiniRead
Few revolutions succeed, and when they do, you often discover they did not gain what you hoped for, and you condemn yourself to perpetual fear, as the parties you defeated may always regain power and work for your ruin.
Francesco GuicciardiniRead
One who imitates what is bad always goes beyond his model; while one who imitates what is good always comes up short of it.
Francesco GuicciardiniRead
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