Niccola Machiavelli was an Italian philosopher, strategist, and diplomat. Born in 1469, he passed away in 1527. His philosophy has extremely influenced politicians, statesmen, and diplomats from the past to the present. The Prince is the best state advisor on leadership, strategy, management, and serving the national interest. Here are his main ideas
The fate of the country and the people are a leader’s duty; thus, whatever strategy is employed must be for the benefit of the country and the people. “Leaders will be evaluated by their results, not their methods,” There are two ways to stifle and uphold order: “use the law” and “use the force.”
The leader must be a lion to frighten the wolf and be a fox to escape the Trap. Leaders must be a beast to resist the bad guys and must be a gentleman to show the right leadership.
He believed that Most people are selfish, ignorant, and easily deceived. Here are some of Niccolò Machiavelli’s main political ideas and writings:
- The Prince: Machiavelli’s most famous work in which he advocates that a ruler should use cunning, deceit, and strength to gain and maintain power. The ends justify the means.
- Realpolitik: Machiavelli promoted a realistic approach to politics versus idealistic views. He argued rulers must be willing to employ unsavory means to achieve desirable political ends.
- Power Politics: For Machiavelli, power was the central goal of politics. He emphasized the use of power to control people and territory.
- Rule through Fear: Machiavelli advised that it is better for a prince to be feared than loved. Rulers must be willing to act harshly at times to intimidate rivals and citizens.
- Secular Rule: He advocated that politics should be divorced from Christian ethics and religion. The ruler’s goals alone should determine action.
- Fortune vs. Free Will: Machiavelli saw history as shaped by equal parts fortune and the free will of strong leaders who could resist fortune’s influence.
- Cynical View of Human Nature: Machiavelli had a cynical view of human nature as fickle, self-interested, and only loyal out of necessity. This informed his political theories.
- Republicanism: Despite The Prince, Machiavelli’s other works praised republicanism and called for limits on hereditary rule.
In general, Machiavelli promoted a ruthless, cunning, and pragmatic approach to obtaining and exercising political power. His ideas valued the “ends justifying the means” which was controversial yet influential.
