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10 Unfiltered Truths from Niccolò Machiavelli – The Realist of Power

April 26, 2025

by karishmabhosale1620@gmail.com

with 105 comments

Life

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Niccolò Machiavelli (1469–1527), the infamous Renaissance political philosopher, shocked the world with his brutally honest analysis of power in The Prince.

Often misunderstood as “evil,” Machiavelli was simply a realist who revealed how power truly operates — not how we wish it would.

His insights extend beyond politics into business, leadership, and personal strategy.

1. “It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.”

Machiavelli argued that fear is more reliable than love in maintaining control.

People break bonds of affection when it benefits them, but fear of consequences keeps them in line.

Respect and authority often trump likability in leadership.

2. “The ends justify the means.”

One of his most controversial statements, often misinterpreted.

Machiavelli didn’t advocate cruelty for its own sake — he emphasized that results matter more than intentions.

Success is measured by outcomes, not just good intentions.

3. “Never attempt to win by force what can be won by deception.”

Machiavelli admired cunning over brute force.

Why waste resources in battle when strategy can achieve the same goal?

Intelligence and persuasion often outperform aggression.

4. “The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.”

Procrastination leads to downfall.

Successful leaders act decisively before problems escalate.

Take swift action — delayed decisions invite disaster.

5. “There is no avoiding war; it can only be postponed to the advantage of others.”

Avoiding conflict doesn’t make it disappear — it only empowers your enemies.

Machiavelli believed in facing challenges head-on.

Address problems early, or they will grow stronger.

6. “He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.”

Authority isn’t given — it’s taken through competence.

Weak leaders lose respect; strong leaders inspire followership.

True power comes from capability, not just titles.

7. “Men are so simple and yield so readily to the desires of the moment that he who will trick will always find another who will suffer to be tricked.”

Human nature hasn’t changed.

People are easily manipulated by short-term rewards.

Understand psychology to protect yourself — and influence others.

8. “The promise given was a necessity of the past; the word broken is a necessity of the present.”

Machiavelli knew loyalty shifts with circumstances.

Promises are tools — not sacred vows.

Adaptability beats blind allegiance.

9. “The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.”

Great leaders surround themselves with competence.

Weak leaders fear those smarter than them.

Your inner circle determines your success.

10. “Fortune is the arbiter of one-half of our actions, but she still leaves us to direct the other half.”

Luck plays a role, but mastery comes from controlling what you can.

Influence your fate — don’t leave everything to chance.

Why Machiavelli’s Wisdom Still Matters Today

Machiavelli’s principles may seem ruthless, but they reveal uncomfortable truths about power dynamics in business, politics, and personal life.

In a world where idealism often fails, Machiavelli teaches:
– Realism over wishful thinking
– Strategy over impulsiveness
– Adaptability over rigidity