Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.
Machiavelli's name is a byword for immorality and political scheming - but is that fair?
Key Points:
- Machiavelli believed that a good politician wasn’t defined by their character so much as their ability to defend and enrich the state.
- Machiavelli had an eventful life having times of success as a diplomat and general and at other times an enemy of the state.
- Although he was a failed politician, he was still known as a great man due to his famous writings, The Prince and The Discourses. In these writings, he challenges the notion that a politician has to be a good person. Rather, a good politician knows how to be strict and tough so to keep people in line.
- These ideals were in stark contrast to Christian teachings. In fact, he talked of a criminal virtue which meant sometimes leaders have to be ruthless for the good of the state. Machiavelli believed that we all have to make decisions in life based on ethical trade offs.
Quote This:
It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both. – Niccolo Machiavelli
See Also: Politics
Talk About It
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Who is your favorite politician of all time, and why?
- “It’s almost impossible to be a good politician and a good person at the same time.” Debate or defend this statement.
- Which one would you rather have from those under your leadership: love or fear? Which one do you have more of, in general?
- Name one or two “nice guys” in politics. How did their kindness hurt or help them.
- Summarize Machiavelli’s political theory in your own words. Do you agree or disagree with them?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
