Machiavellian

The history of man is a history of power and ambition. The famous leaders of the past were often power seekers. Trying to gather as large a number of people as possible to rule. Some were called tyrants, but many were called the great leaders. But they all share that ability to achieve power, and to keep it.

Machiavelli (courtesy of  theconversattion.com)

Nicollo Machiavelli, famous writer and political philosopher from the Italian renaissance, wrote one of the most famous guides on how to achieve power, and how to be a successful ruler.

His idea have inspired debate for centuries, because he claimed that in order for a man to achieve power, and hold on to that power, he must be ready to use whatever methods necessary. And since his book, “The Prince” was first published, The name of Machiavelli has been associated with ruthless politics, manipulation and the achievement of power by any means. In order to maintain his state, a prince is often forced to act in defiance of good faith, of charity, of know how to do evil if that is necessary. 

Today, the word "MACHIAVELLIAN’’ is a negative term. Use to describe someone deceitful, manipulative, and who will do whatever it takes to achieve their political goals.

But did Machiavelli really have such as a cynical view of power and politics? 

Machiavelli lived during a time when Italy was tormented by vicious leaders and power struggles. He had seen Italy experience years of political chaos. Machiavelli believed that what his country needed was stability. His book, "The Prince" was written as a guide for how an ambitious prince could achieve power and maintain that power in order to bring stability to his country. He believed a strong leader was necessary to bring about that stability, and he believed that any actions to protect the country's stability, even actions which were cruel or tyrannical were justified.

The 26^th chapters of the Prince discuss the qualities a leaders should have in order to keep his power, Machiavelli offers this advice to a Prince. 

POWER. a leader should have a strong military and be willing to act fearlessly. 

REPUTATION, don’t be concerned with having a good reputation, STABILITY and STRENGTH is most important. Not whether the prince is loved by his people.

GENEROSITY, it is better to be stingy than generous. People who are ruled by a generous prince will only become greedy for more.

FEAR. Fear is more powerful than love. Machiavelli explains. 

"It would be best to be both loved and feared. But since the two rarely come together, anyone compelled to choose will find greater security in being feared than in being loved. Avoid hatred. A leader who is respected by his people will have stronger protection than from having strongest army. Additionally, a prince who avoids hatred from nobles is less likely to be challenged by conspirators. Be a fox and a lion. Be clever like the fox, who is able to discover a trap. But show the courage of the lion who is able to drive off the wolves." -The Prince-

Were Machiavelli’s ideas, a how-to guide for tyrants or a realistic portrayal of politics? Well maybe a little of both, whatever the case, Machiavelli’s idea have had a profound influence on leaders throughout history.