July 31, 2025

Conspiracies cannot be hatched without the complicity of others, and for that reason are extremely dangerous. For most men are either stupid or evil, and to take up with such people involves too great a risk.

Francesco Guicciardini (1483–1540), Italian historian and statesman, Ricordi, C, 19

If you ever choose to engage in some sort of conspiracy—whether “harmless” or otherwise—remember to first ask yourself the question, which of my fellow plotters is sufficiently stupid or evil to betray me?

The risk makes for anxiety; it’s the betrayal that kills.