Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli (1469-1527) was a Florentine diplomat, author, philosopher, and historian who lived during the Italian Renaissance. Some scholars say he was the first philosopher to divorce politics from ethics.
He believed that violence and deceit were sometimes necessary to maintain power, introduce new essential institutions, and purge the community of men who could potentially replace the ruler.
He wrote two political masterpieces, The Prince and The Art of War.
The Prince was written around 1513 but published only after Machiavelli’s death in 1532. It is generally recognized as contrary to fundamental moral principles.
Yet, many politicians follow Machiavelli’s advice today. In an interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Senator Bernie Sanders said Vice President Kamala Harris did not change her views. The apparent changes are part of “doing what she thinks is right to win the election.”
The Prince
Machiavelli dedicated The Prince to the Florentine ruler of his time, a Medici. He instructed rulers that they need not be concerned about ethics. He argued that rulers should strive to maintain or expand their position, even if immoral acts are necessary to accomplish that goal. He stressed that their reign would fail if rulers ignored reality and attempted to live an ideal life. He taught that the ends justify the means.
The ruler must protect his country using all available means, no matter the cost.
Machiavelli suggested three ways to control countries accustomed to freedom: destruction, occupation, or establishing an oligarchy. Although destruction or occupation are destructive and involve brute force, deceit, and the extermination of families, including opponents, they are the best options.
He wrote, “It is better to be feared than loved if one cannot be both.” He argued that fear is a better motivator for obtaining one’s desires than love, which is why it is a more effective tool for leaders.
He advised rulers not to fear the public. They should strive to appear virtuous. He wrote that the general public sees only what you seem to be. Few people realize what you really are. Appearances always take in the general population, and the few who know the truth do not control them.
He also counseled rulers that they would be despised if they were seen by the public as changeable, foolish, weak, and mean. A ruler must show greatness, courage, seriousness, and strength.
It should surprise no one that many politicians today adopt the lessons that Machiavelli teaches.
The Art of War
He wrote his second masterpiece, The Art of War, between 1519 and 1520 and published in 1521.
His 1521 treatise, like Sun Tzu’s book with the identical name, is a classic of military and political theory with thoughtful philosophical ideas applicable to daily life. However, while Sun Tzu’s work is moral and rational, Machiavelli’s is immoral, irrational, and dangerous.
Both books are easy to read and very informative. Machiavelli’s second volume is just over three hundred pages with seven chapters written in a fascinating Socratic format similar to the writings by the famed Greek philosopher Plato but not as intriguing or insightful as Plato’s splendid writings. Yet, Machiavelli’s work influenced Fredrick the Great, Napolean, and other leaders.
Machiavelli’s treatise offers practical advice on how a ruler can effectively govern his nation, motivate armed forces, develop strategies and tactics, demoralize enemies, and avoid ambushes and defeats. Interestingly, many of these ideas can be applied by non-rulers in their daily lives, underscoring the relevance and influence of Machiavelli’s work beyond the realm of politics.
Machiavelli’s advice
Machiavelli wrote that war is an extension of political values and goals. It assures the stability and longevity of a nation. He advised rulers that victory is so essential that they should avoid moral behaviors when necessary and even be cruel, use brute force, and exterminate noble families to prevent challenges to their authority and defend their country and their power over it.
He said leaders should be cunning, manipulative, deceitful, self-serving, permanently hide their intentions, avoid inconsistency, and not hesitate to act without mercy and empathy, against faith, humanity, and religion to preserve power and nation. Victory must be achieved at any cost.
Machiavellianism
When Machiavelli’s teachings for rulers are applied to individuals in society, it gives rise to a concept known as Machiavellianism. Psychologists often associate this trait with psychological disturbances such as narcissism. It is observed in individuals who exhibit excessive ambition, self-centeredness, immorality, cynicism, and a willingness to manipulate others to achieve their goals. These individuals may take credit for others’ work, spread rumors or lies to gain an advantage, sabotage colleagues’ efforts, or manipulate others to serve their interests.
In short
The primary lesson for rulers is to realize that it is necessary for a leader who wants to hold power to know how to do wrong.
Whether applied to rulers or individuals, Machiavellianism is a non-rational idea. Unfortunately, most politicians have accepted the immoral teachings, sometimes without realizing what they are doing.
A culture that values and encourages open communication is critical to combating manipulative behaviors. Whether between rulers and their nations or among individuals, fostering an environment where honesty and integrity are prized can empower us to challenge and resist such behaviors, instilling a sense of hope for a better future.
Machiavellianism is part of the dark triad of the three types of personality traits, that, when combined, make a person a narcissist. Narcism, Psychopathy, and Machiavellianism are the three elements of the dark triad.
Thank you for sharing the nice review. Yes, my cousin has a really nice Sun Tzu book. It’s a really nice Art of War book. It’s very good. We still study it to this day. To become a US marine you have to read a lot of books. One of them is The Art of War. It’s a short book. Not all of it is very useful now because a lot of it has to do with ancient Chinese fighting styles but there are some things that are very useful, for example, fight with the sun at your back. If you’re at a battle and you need to fight someone, whether it’s ten thousand or one guy you stand with the sun behind you, and now he’s blinded and you can beat him. That’s something that stands the test of time. Same with the concept to make your army seem bigger than it is. The South used that against the North in the American Civil War. That’s why they were so timid. They thought they were way more than they were. They’d have horses that had the same people running on horses down the street, constantly making endless circles, and so it looked like there were endless amounts of people on horses going by. Scouts from the North looked at them and said “there’s so many of them.” For five hours horses were going by, endless, thousands and thousands of them, but in reality, it was the same people. And Isaac Brock, the British commander during the War of 1812 did the same thing to capture Ft. Detroit from the Americans. There were wise statements in that book, such as “never interrupt an enemy when they’re making a mistake,” and that’s very wise and you could do that in your own life. Like, if you’re arguing or debating with someone and they bring up a stupid point let them go, let them talk themselves into a hole. Let them say some stupid stuff and then all you need to do is just let them go. For instance, during the 2024 presidential debates, Biden said he beat Medicare and Trump let him go and then added that he beat Medicare, he beat it to death. If Biden said “I beat—” and Trump said “no, you didn’t beat anything…” then he’d lose his opportunity. There’s a lot of wise elements in The Art of War.
Ye, there is much we can learn from this ancient book even regarding our daily behavior.
This is a great review of Machiavelli’s book. Machiavelli taught how to be a ruler. He wrote a famous book about it called The Prince. It’s an immoral story. Unfortunately, as you pointed out, many still rely upon his advice, like democrat politicians. They don’t have morals.
What did you think of Sun Tzu’s book The Art of War?
Mr. Hill
Here is my review of Sun Tzu’s book.
The Art of War by Sun Tzu
Two ancient classics taught humans how to wage and win wars. Both are still read today. They advise about war but also fascinate and instruct people interested in peace who enjoy knowing about the psychology of daily life. One of the books is by Sun Tzu. The other is by Nicolo Machiavelli. Both are titled The Art of War.
Sun Tzu’s volume is a theoretical treatise and a practical guide to strategies and tactics. Composed in China between 475 and 221 B.C.E., it is the earliest book on military tactics. While rooted in the art of war, its advice is efficient, finding application in business, debates, arguments, sports, and even getting along with and influencing people.
I am writing this review in 2024 when Democrats and Republicans are fighting for the presidency. Both sides are using many of the strategies and tactics advocated by Sun Tzu.
Dale Carnegie’s 1936 book How to Win Friends and Influence People, one of the bestsellers of all time and a book that helps people succeed, lists twelve ways to win people over to our way of thinking. Its tactics resemble Sun Tzu’s, such as Knowing yourself and your mistakes. The best way to win an argument is to avoid it. Know the value of charm. Make your opponent feel important. Do not criticize, condemn, or complain.
Sun Tzu’s book contains thirteen chapters on making plans, waging battles, leadership, strategies, tactics, energy, and even using spies. The chapters focus on direct and indirect behaviors and stress the need to be prepared. The book is available for free on Amazon Kindle. It is easy to read.
Among many things, Sun Tzu emphasizes knowing oneself, strengths and weaknesses, the person or group in opposition, and when to fight and when not to do so. To avoid a stronger enemy, work on weaknesses. Learn about your enemy and deceive him about yourself. Be prepared to modify your plans depending on the circumstances.
He stresses that every war is based on deception. When we can attack, we must seem unable to do so; we must appear weak when we are robust when we are weak.
Attack an enemy when he is unprepared, and do so when you are not expected. Remember that no country benefits from prolonged warfare. We should break our enemy’s resistance without fighting. We shouldn’t waste time besieging walled fortresses.
Victory is achieved by he who knows when to fight and when not to fight, who is prepared and waits to take the enemy unprepared, who can handle both superior and inferior forces, whose army is animated by the same spirit by all participants, who and uses ideas and materials belonging to the enemy, and who is not interfered with by superior officials.
You must know how to conquer and be able to do it. Military tactics are like water. Water runs from high places and flows quickly downwards. Also, avoid what is vital in war and strike at what is weak. You must not rely on the likelihood of the enemy not attacking but on your readiness to receive him. It is to your advantage to move forward. If not, stay where you are.
In short, plan carefully and be flexible. Know your strengths and weaknesses, when and when not to fight, and try to subdue your opponent in areas without fighting. Enter only battles you know you can win. Know your plans, strategy, tactics, and decisions, but keep them secret. Lead your team by the hand as if you were leading a single man. Beware of emotions; they lead to defeat. Know your enemy and deceive him. Prepare for the unexpected.