The Strategic Use of Cruelty by Machiavelli | Virtue and Luck: Lessons f...
The wise Niccolò Machiavelli used to say that events do not govern his life; instead, he governs events.
Niccolò Machiavelli, an important Italian political thinker and historian of the Renaissance, was born in Florence. He had a varied career, serving as a diplomat and government official during turbulent times in Italian history.
His most well-known work is "The Prince," published in 1532 after his death. Machiavelli is often associated with the term "Machiavellianism," which describes a pragmatic and realistic view of politics, independent of ethical or moral considerations.
He advocated tactics to maintain and consolidate power, even if it involved controversial measures. "The Prince" is often misunderstood as a guide for tyrannical rulers.
However, Machiavelli's work had a lasting impact on political thought, establishing the idea that politics should be analyzed scientifically and separated from morality.
His work challenged the traditional view of power and governance, contributing to the formation of Political Realism. In addition to "The Prince," Machiavelli wrote other influential works, such as "Discourses on the First Ten Books of Titus Livy," which discusses the importance of republican institutions and people's participation in politics.
These discourses reflect his interest in the republic as a more stable and lasting form of government. In this video, you will understand why you should stop being too nice, presenting seven important lessons.
It is important to clarify that the quote attributed to Machiavelli is not an actual one from him. The negative image of Machiavelli as an advocate of lies and manipulation is often based on distorted interpretations of his works, mainly "The Prince."
