Eli5 the Machiavelli quote “People, often deceived by an illusive good, desire their own ruin….”
In: 1
He is saying that people often want something that seems like it’s a good thing, but is either:
* Unattainable, and therefore going to drive them crazy in pursuit of it.
* Not actually a good thing, and therefore going to cause them problems if they obtain it.
So, by wanting this thing, people are actually wanting something that is bad for them.
Think of all those poor people who vote Republican because they don’t want to pay high taxes if when they win the lottery or the “get discovered” and become the next huge pop star, etc.
They’re so worried about the government taking half their theoretical fortune they ignore the fact they’re paying higher taxes now to subsidize the low taxes on CEOs and hedge fund billionaires today.
“I cherish peace with all my heart,” he explains. “But I don’t care how many men, women and children I have to kill to get it.”
– Peacemaker
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