“It is worse than a crime, it is a blunder.”
What this quote means
This famous quote by Fouché, often mistakenly attributed to Talleyrand, contrasts political error with crime. It suggests that a mistake, a blunder, can have more disastrous consequences than an openly criminal act, because it reveals unforgivable incompetence or carelessness. In the political context, a blunder can ruin a career, a reputation, or a cause, whereas a crime might be forgiven or forgotten. It invites us to be prudent and thoughtful in our decisions, especially when they involve our integrity.
How to apply it daily
Before making an important decision, assess whether it is not only moral, but also strategically sound, avoiding avoidable errors.
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