Niccolo Machiavelli's Political Philosophy

Machiavelli believed rulers should prioritize maintaining power, potentially through manipulation and immoral actions if necessary.

Machiavelli argued that rulers should appear moral but don't need to be genuinely virtuous to maintain power.

Machiavelli saw humans as self-serving and prone to manipulation, not virtuous.

Machiavelli viewed the state as a system with its own values, independent of moral considerations.

Machiavelli's work contains guidance on maintaining power through strategies that might involve manipulating people.

Machiavelli believed the state might transition to a republic after periods of strong individual rule.

Machiavelli believed a ruler should be ruthless, devoid of conscience and empathy, prioritizing power above all else.

Machiavelli believed that a ruler must anticipate adverse circumstances and maintain reserves.

Machiavelli advocated for rulers to use laws as tools in their power maintenance.

The belief that a goal's importance justifies any approach used in achieving it.

Machiavelli suggested rulers should project a positive image, even if it's a facade.

Machiavelli believed that a ruler shouldn't have noble virtues like piety, or gentleness.

Machiavelli believed a ruler shouldn't be expected to be loved by the people.

Machiavelli did not think a ruler should rule in the best interest of all citizens.