Nicolo Machiavelli

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The Prince

One of Niccolò Machiavelli's most famous works.

Politician and Diplomat

Niccolò Machiavelli's profession in Florence.

1532

The year 'The Prince' was published posthumously.

1469

The year Niccolò Machiavelli was born.

Florence

Where Machiavelli spent most of his career.

Self-interest and ambition

According to Machiavelli, humans are predominantly motivated by.

Secondary to power and pragmatism

Machiavelli believed that morality in politics should be.

As a useful tool to maintain social order

How Machiavelli viewed religion in politics.

Doctrine of Aggrandizement

Emphasizes the importance of expanding and strengthening state power.

To serve the needs of the ruler and the state

In Machiavelli's philosophy, the role of the individual in a state should be.

Fortuna

Refers to luck and the unpredictability of events in Machiavelli's philosophy.

Ruthlessness when necessary

The quality Machiavelli argues a prince should possess to maintain power.

The ends justify the means

Implies that outcomes are more important than the morality of actions.

Virtù

Means the ability to shape one's destiny through strength and skill.

Florence

The city that was central to Machiavelli's political life and writings.

Leo Strauss

Described Machiavelli as the 'teacher of evil'.

Realist view on power

What Friedrich Nietzsche admired about Machiavelli.

On the Art of Power

The subtitle of 'The Prince'.

Republicanism and the benefits of collective government

The main focus of Machiavelli's book 'Discourses on Livy'.

The Mandrake (La Mandragola)

Considered a satire written by Machiavelli.

Humans are inherently selfish and driven by self-interest.

What Machiavelli said about human nature.

He believed a ruler's success depended on outcomes, not moral values.

Why Machiavelli emphasized pragmatism over morality.

Religion is essential to maintain order but can be used strategically.

What Machiavelli believed about the role of religion in governance.

A ruler should prioritize expanding and consolidating state power.

The main idea behind Machiavelli's Doctrine of Aggrandizement.

Individuals must subordinate their interests to the needs of the state.

Machiavelli's stance on the role of individuals in a state.

A capricious force that affects human affairs, requiring adaptability to control.

Definition Fortune (Fortuna).

Pragmatism, cunning, decisiveness, and the ability to appear virtuous while being ruthless.

Qualities Machiavelli believed were essential for a prince.

It is better to be feared than loved if you cannot be both.

A quote by Machiavelli explaining his view on power.

Fortune is a woman; and if you wish to keep her under, you must beat her and knock her down.

How Machiavelli described Fortune.

Fortune favors the bold.

What Machiavelli said about preparation and success.

Luck and unpredictability

What 'Fortuna' means in Machiavelli's philosophy.

The strength and skill to shape one's destiny

What 'Virtù' means in Machiavelli's context.

Florence

Which city is central to Machiavelli's career.

Expanding and consolidating state power

What the term 'Aggrandizement' signifies in Machiavelli's ideas.

The 'teacher of evil.'

What Leo Strauss called Machiavelli.

His realist approach to power and human nature

What Friedrich Nietzsche admired about Machiavelli.

He understood power politics better than any other philosopher.

What Bertrand Russell said about Machiavelli.

His emphasis on the necessity of leadership and political strategy.

What Antonio Gramsci appreciated in Machiavelli's writings