Most of the folks around here would no doubt confuse him with the Marquis de Sade.
Though that is a bit difficult, Machiavelli was Italian, not French. However it looks like they both were out spoken about their political beliefs. Machiavelli however did not end up becoming the basis for the word Sadistic though.
Rodney, the adjective Machiavellian became a pejorative term describing someone who aims to deceive and manipulate others for personal advantage. To understand this, read The Prince by Machiavelli. It is one of the best works ever written to describe power, how to gain power, how to wield power, and how you'll die if you abuse power. It goes into depth about manipulation of the masses. I'd have to say personally if someone were to call me Machiavellian, it would be like saying I speak like Hitler. He is a man I'd call Machiavellian. The term isn't exactly a bad thing, though. It's like saying your cunning and conniving.
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Last edited by Motorhead27; 02-18-2011 at 10:49 AM..
"In today’s society, if someone is to accuse a person of being Machiavellian, they would conjure up images of a cunning and reproachable type of human being. This infamous reputation is attributed to Niccolo Machiavelli, who penned The Prince in 1513. Webster’s Dictionary of the English Language defines Machiavellian as being that which is “characterized by subtle or unscrupulous cunning, deception, expediency, or dishonesty.” This definition is not entirely warranted or true to the message Machiavelli intends for his advice to convey. The Prince is not written to excuse the actions of those in a position of power, but to be a persuasive and practical handbook for officials to unite Florence and Italy, and ultimately maintain authority over her. Machiavelli’s main concern, which is evident in The Prince, is the stability of his homeland.
Machiavelli places a considerable amount of weight on the factions of war. In fact, he states a prince must not have any other “profession but war” (“Prince” 37). However, his emphasis on military superiority does not perpetuate the idea that Machiavelli is unscrupulously cunning. In a very practical way, he points out the necessities of having leaders who preceded him. A competent military is a way to ensure his state’s longevity, and should not be seen as Machiavellian.
Having a skilled and ready military. We only have to look as far as our own military to see the benefits of having strong and resourceful branches able to deploy or defend at a moment’s notice. Machiavelli stresses the importance of military preparedness, but does not condone frivolous wars or acts of violence towards passive states. On the contrary, he wants the prince to know his history thoroughly, so he would not be doomed to repeat it, and to follow in the honorable footsteps of the esteemed.
In conclusion, the term “Machiavellian” when used to describe someone, or something as being unscrupulous, dishonest, and crafty, is a misrepresentation and distortion of the facts. Niccolo Machiavelli was a statesman deeply concerned with the country in which he lived."
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Originally Posted by rodneym
I'm surprised Patrick wasn't all over that.
Only because I was unfamiliar with the term "Cliff Notes." I always read the assigned material cover to cover without the aid of elementary crutches and threw rocks and stones at those who didn't.
so many choices..street beast, FFR , Kirkham...but instead of so little time !...so much time!...Joe keep dreaming
I will pretend that you did not just say Street Beast.
Hey, it's Cheers! That was a good show, I loved Cliff and all of his doings. What was her name, the female bar tender with black curly hair? She was a trip. I may be young and dumb, but I am cultured. Dang, this thread got way off topic.
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Last edited by Motorhead27; 02-18-2011 at 02:04 PM..
what about a street beast kit for the cammer
Dang, this thread got way off topic.
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