“exactly to those paths which others have taken, or attain to the virtues of those whom they would resemble, the wise man should always follow the roads that have been trodden by the great, and imitate those who have most excelled, so that if he cannot reach their perfection, he may at least acquire something of its savour.”
Following the Paths of the Great
In this quote, Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of learning from and imitating those who have excelled in order to improve oneself. He suggests that rather than trying to blaze a completely new trail, individuals should follow the footsteps of the great in order to attain a level of excellence similar to theirs.
Analysis of Quote by Niccolo Machiavelli
In this quote, Niccolo Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of following the paths of those who have achieved greatness in order to improve oneself. He suggests that by emulating the actions and virtues of those who have excelled, one can strive towards excellence. Machiavelli advocates for learning from the successes of others and using their achievements as a guide for personal growth and development. This idea aligns with the concept of mentorship and the importance of seeking wisdom from those who have already paved the way for success.
Following the Footsteps of the Great
In this quote by Niccolo Machiavelli, he emphasizes the importance of following the paths of greatness and learning from those who have excelled before us. This idea of seeking guidance and inspiration from the achievements of others is still relevant today in our modern society.
Reflection Questions
In this quote by Niccolo Machiavelli, he emphasizes the importance of following the paths of the great and imitating those who have excelled in order to achieve personal growth and development. Reflect on the following questions:
- Who are some individuals that you admire or look up to for their virtues or achievements?
- In what ways can you emulate these individuals in your own life to enhance your own personal growth and development?
- How can you incorporate the qualities or practices of these role models into your daily life to strive towards excellence?
- What steps can you take to align your actions and decisions with the paths of those who have succeeded before you?
- How do you define "perfection" in your own life, and how can you strive to achieve a taste of that perfection through emulating others who have excelled?
Similar quotes
“the wise man should always follow the roads that have been trodden by the great, and imitate those who have most excelled, so that if he cannot reach their perfection, he may at least acquire something of its savour.”
“he wise man should always follow the roads that have been trodden by the great, and imitate those who have most excelled, so that if he cannot reach their perfection, he may at least acquire something of its savour.”
“For since men for the most part follow in the footsteps and imitate the actions of others, and yet are unable to adhere exactly to those paths which others have taken, or attain to the virtues of those whom they would resemble, the wise man should always follow the roads that have been trodden by the great, and imitate those who have most excelled, so that if he cannot reach their perfection, he may at least acquire something of its savour. Acting in this like the skilful archer, who seeing that the object he would hit is distant, and knowing the range of his bow, takes aim much above the destined mark; not designing that his arrow should strike so high, but that flying high it may alight at the point intended.”
“A prudent man should always follow in the path trodden by great men and imitate those who are most excellent, so that if he does not attain to their greatness, at any rate he will get some tinge of it.”
“CHAPTER VIConcerning New Principalities Which Are Acquired By One's Own Arms And AbilityLET no one be surprised if, in speaking of entirely new principalities as I shall do, I adduce the highest examples both of prince and of state; because men, walking almost always in paths beaten by others, and following by imitation their deeds, are yet unable to keep entirely to the ways of others or attain to the power of those they imitate. A wise man ought always to follow the paths beaten by great men, and to imitate those who have been supreme, so that if his ability does not equal theirs, at least it will savour of it. Let him act like the clever archers who, designing to hit the mark which yet appears too far distant, and knowing the limits to which the strength of their bow attains, take aim much higher than the mark, not to reach by their strength or arrow to so great a height, but to be able with the aid of so high an aim to hit the mark they wish to reach.”