I was first introduced to Niccolò Machiavelli’s, The Prince, in a “Rhetoric of Manipulation” class at UC Berkeley (yes, that was a real thing). I signed up with cautious optimism, hoping the course would reveal the secrets of the world – insights I could use for personal gain or to outmaneuver those around me. Ultimately, I had that experience reading Robert Greene’s, “The 48 Laws of Power”, years later. Ultimately, Greene’s book provided insight into strategies others might use, allowing me to better protect myself.
I found this video from The School of Life titled, “Machiavelli’s Advice for Nice Guys” and thought I should give my own spin.
Machiavelli, a 16th-century Italian political thinker, offers a harsh but invaluable lesson for “nice” people struggling to make an impact. His core argument is that the wicked often win because they are willing to do whatever it takes, unconstrained by morality. This idea is central to his philosophy, and it challenges traditional notions of virtue and effectiveness.
According to Machiavelli, the primary advantage of the wicked is their willingness to employ deceit, manipulation, and outright lies to further their agenda. While good people believe in the importance of being good and adhering to noble means, their rigid commitment to morality holds them back. The wicked, on the other hand, are not limited. They twist facts, lie, and even resort to violence to accomplish their goals. They also understand the power of charm and deception, using these tools to manipulate their opponents. This dark ingenuity, Machiavelli argues, is what allows them to conquer the world and execute their vision.
In contrast, nice people often assume that rational arguments, persuasion, and kindness will naturally lead to a more just world. They believe that by showing kindness to their enemies and adhering to principles, they can win others over. While this sounds good, Machiavelli offers a stark warning – it doesn’t work.
In “The Prince”, Machiavelli provides a guide for rulers on how to avoid a tragic end. His advice is not to abandon goodness, but to recognize that niceness alone is not enough. A successful leader, whether a ruler or a CEO, must be prepared to borrow from Machiavelli’s playbook and be ruthless when necessary. They must be willing to manipulate, deceive, and intimidate – just like their cynical counterparts. Machiavelli believed that good people are often undone by their reluctance to engage in these tactics, which leaves them vulnerable to more devious competitors.
Machiavelli traces blind emphasis on niceness back to our Christian roots, particularly the story of Jesus. Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate victor, crowned king of kings for his goodness. However, Machiavelli points out that, in practical terms, Jesus’ life was a mess. He was humiliated, rejected, and ultimately killed. From a worldly perspective, Jesus was one of history’s greatest losers. For Machiavelli, this narrative has led to a romanticized view of goodness that ignores the harsh realities of success.
“The Prince” was never meant to be a blueprint for becoming a tyrant. Rather, it’s a guide to learning from tyrants. It’s about being effective, not just good for goodness’ sake. Machiavelli doesn’t dismiss the value of virtue, but he emphasizes that without effectiveness, virtue is powerless. The most admirable leaders, he suggests, are those who can blend their moral intentions with strategic ruthlessness.
In today’s world, this lesson remains painfully relevant. Whether in politics, business, or activism, the people who succeed are not always the most virtuous, they are the ones who know how to play the game. Machiavelli’s unsettling advice is that if we truly care about making the world a better place, we can’t afford to be weak or naïve. We must be willing to learn from those we don’t admire, because sometimes they hold the key to success. If we want to achieve meaningful change, we need to equip ourselves with the same tools as our enemies. Only then can we fight on a level playing field.
Machiavelli teaches us to prioritize results over intentions. Good intentions alone are not enough to change the world – we must be willing to “roll up our sleeves” and do what is necessary. Success is the true measure of our impact, there is no nice guys awards. And while this may disturb our sense of moral superiority, it’s a sobering reminder that being too principled can sometimes be the very thing that limits our success.
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