“In the actions of all men, and especially of princes, where there is no tribunal to which to appeal, one must look to the end.”Niccolò Machiavelli · Principele · 1532 · Capitolul XVIII
In the absence of a judge, success becomes the sole measure of actions.
Machiavelli says that when there is no higher authority to judge fairness, the only criterion is the effect. A prince who succeeds in maintaining his state and peace is considered good, regardless of means. For instance, a CEO who saves the company through tough measures is praised for the result, even if his actions seem ruthless at the time.
Why it matters In situations without an external arbiter — business, politics, career — practical success becomes the ultimate measure of decisions.