How Machiavellian are you?
Take this brief quiz (2-5 minutes) to see how closely you align with Niccolò Machiavelli's political philosophy:
http://personality-testing.info/tests/MACH-IV.php
http://personality-testing.info/tests/MACH-IV.php
A brief overview of Machiavelli's political theory
Level of Notoreity for "The Prince"
While not as widely talked about as other infamous works, such as Adolf Hitler's "Mein Kampf", Niccolò Machiavelli's "The Prince" is arguably "the most notorious and influential political tract ever written" (Unger 9). While the former may be more recognizable to a broader audience, one could argue that Hitler's abusive political system that originated from this political work makes "Mein Kampf" infamous. To elaborate, when a person mentions "Mein Kampf", they would most likely think of its writer and the build up of World War II. However, mention "Adolf Hitler", and most likely World War II will come to mind, but the political work would not. In addition, the work itself can only be attributed to the rise of the Nazi party rather than any other event in history.
In comparison, it is hard to mention either "Machiavelli" or "The Prince" without referencing the other. Also, the political philosophy of the work is more difficult to tie down to any particular regime, linking it to a number of crimes from multiple sources.
In comparison, it is hard to mention either "Machiavelli" or "The Prince" without referencing the other. Also, the political philosophy of the work is more difficult to tie down to any particular regime, linking it to a number of crimes from multiple sources.
"The ends justify the means"
Even though this does not appear in any of his works, Machiavelli is accredited with coining this infamous term. Synonymous with using immoral methods to achieve certain goals, it states that the final outcome determines whether the preceding actions were "good" or "bad." In "The Prince" he uses this idea to offer practical advice for navigating the world for as it is, not for how it should be, for any aspiring politician. While this phrase may seem cruel, it strongly depends on the politician, or person of power, to achieve stability and protect their people. The status of the state becomes the top priority of any government that chooses this theory, thus making any loss of liberty or morality a necessary sacrifice.
This idea heavily conflicts with Christian ethics, which promotes goodness. Yet by studying numerous examples of leaders during his lifetime, Machiavelli concludes that seeking the moral high ground in the political sphere is doomed to fail (See "Siege of Pisa" in "Achievements" for more detail). It would be ideal for the ruling party be loved by their people, but not at the expense of the safety and existence of the state itself. Ergo, it is better to be feared than to be loved.
This idea heavily conflicts with Christian ethics, which promotes goodness. Yet by studying numerous examples of leaders during his lifetime, Machiavelli concludes that seeking the moral high ground in the political sphere is doomed to fail (See "Siege of Pisa" in "Achievements" for more detail). It would be ideal for the ruling party be loved by their people, but not at the expense of the safety and existence of the state itself. Ergo, it is better to be feared than to be loved.
Misconceptions about Niccolò Machiavelli
While he may be a notorious figure in European history, Machiavelli has many myths surrounding his infamy that should be dispelled for the sake of historical accuracy and for rationalizing his deceivingly-cruel political.
Even though his political philosophy justifies malicious actions in the name of effectiveness, it does not mean that he was blood thirsty. He recognizes that the ideal world of other political philosophies were unfit for the real world and wants to offer a practical solution for its reader: Lorenzo Medici (see "'The Prince'" in "Achievements"). In order to do this, ethics must be set aside to focus on effective means to success. This, however, does not limit actions to murder or to perpetual oppression. For example, as soon as Pisa was captured by Florence's citizen militia, immediate aid was given to the captured Pisans.
While critical of Christianity, he recognizes its importance to its followers. He may not agree with remaining passive and upholding goodness in the face of adversity, but he does argue that it is a side accomplishment in comparison to political effectiveness. He holds this idea due to seeing political leaders lose power and influence over their governments when strictly holding onto morals.
Even though his political philosophy justifies malicious actions in the name of effectiveness, it does not mean that he was blood thirsty. He recognizes that the ideal world of other political philosophies were unfit for the real world and wants to offer a practical solution for its reader: Lorenzo Medici (see "'The Prince'" in "Achievements"). In order to do this, ethics must be set aside to focus on effective means to success. This, however, does not limit actions to murder or to perpetual oppression. For example, as soon as Pisa was captured by Florence's citizen militia, immediate aid was given to the captured Pisans.
While critical of Christianity, he recognizes its importance to its followers. He may not agree with remaining passive and upholding goodness in the face of adversity, but he does argue that it is a side accomplishment in comparison to political effectiveness. He holds this idea due to seeing political leaders lose power and influence over their governments when strictly holding onto morals.