Machiavellianism (politics) facts for kids

Machiavellianism is a way of thinking about politics. It comes from the ideas of an Italian writer named Niccolò Machiavelli. He lived a long time ago, during the Italian Renaissance. His ideas are about how leaders can gain and keep power.

What is Machiavellianism?

After Niccolò Machiavelli was sent away from political life in 1512, he started writing. His most famous book is called The Prince. This book became well-known for its advice to rulers. Machiavelli suggested that leaders should be ready to do tricky or even bad things. For example, he wrote about using fraud (cheating) and treachery (betrayal). He also talked about getting rid of political opponents. Machiavelli believed that using fear could help control people.

Machiavelli thought that gaining and keeping control of a state sometimes needs harsh methods. This idea is a main point of his book. Because of his advice, the word Machiavellian now describes politics that are "cunning, tricky, or dishonest."

Machiavelli also wrote another important book called The Discourses on Livy. This book focused on how to run a republic. A republic is a government where citizens elect leaders. Machiavelli believed that free republics could be stronger than states ruled by a single person. He saw many benefits to a government run by a republic.

However, some of Machiavelli's more debated ideas are also in his other works. For example, he suggested that strong actions, like violence, might be needed to fix a corrupt city. He even praised Romulus, who killed his brother to become the sole ruler and found the city of Rome.

Being a Fox and a Lion

In The Prince, Machiavelli gave famous advice. He said a ruler should "be the fox to avoid the snares, and a lion to overwhelm the wolves." This means a leader should be smart and cunning like a fox to avoid traps. They should also be strong and brave like a lion to defeat enemies. This became one of his most famous statements.

Machiavelli's idea of "virtù" was unique. It meant any quality that helps a ruler keep their state. This could even include doing something seen as "evil" if it helps the ruler stay in power.

Because his book talked about harsh and tricky ways to rule, the Catholic Church banned The Prince in 1559. It was put on a list called the Index Librorum Prohibitorum. This list included books that Catholics were not allowed to read.

Machiavelli also criticized older ways of thinking, especially Christian ideas. He felt they made people "weak." While his own religious beliefs are debated, he seemed to have a low opinion of the Christianity of his time.

Realism in Politics

Machiavelli created ideas for gaining and keeping power. He believed these ideas worked best for his time. He thought leaders should focus on what is realistic, not just what is moral or religious. He taught that a ruler should be practical.

Machiavelli said: "You can never satisfy the nobles by acting honorably, but you can satisfy the people." He meant that a ruler should try to win the support of the common people. If a ruler has the people on their side, they will be safer during difficult times. A smart ruler will make sure citizens depend on them and the state. Then, the ruler can trust them.

He also believed that money alone cannot buy loyalty. He said you cannot pay a man to die for you. Mercenaries (paid soldiers) might not be loyal or brave. Instead, he thought citizen soldiers were better. These soldiers would fight hard and face danger because they were defending their own homes and lands. They had spirit and were willing to work hard and even die for their ruler.

See also

In Spanish: Maquiavelismo para niños