Wednesday, 15 October 2025

Machiavelli

POLITICAL THEORY - Niccolò Machiavelli by The School of Life

Some questions:

  1. The video above says: "We're often appalled by how sly and dishonest many politicians are, but we shouldn't be. In moods like this we need to remember and read the works of Niccolo Machiavelli." Do you agree?
  2. Helen asked whether there are any notable examples of countries where politicians who have adopted a Machiavellian approach achieved success. Her question suggests that such examples may not be immediately obvious. If political strategies based on Machiavellian principles are indeed effective, why then are these approaches not more widely adopted?  See answer from Bing co-pilot here.
  3. Why do politicians and leaders, in many countries, adopt a mostly ethical approach to their politics?

Machiavelli's 'The Prince': Summary & Analysis by Dr Aidan

Some questions

  1. What types of power were discussed in the videos above?  How are these powers used?
  2. For Machiavelli, the ends justify the means.  What limits how far such means can be applied?

Daodejing - Chapter Forty Nine

  道德經  - 第四十九章 聖人無常心,以百姓心為心。 善者,吾善之;不善者,吾亦善之;德善。 信者,吾信之;不信者,吾亦信之;德信。 聖人在天下,歙歙為天下渾其心, 百姓皆注其耳目,聖人皆孩之。 Daodejing - Chapter Forty Nine (The qual...