Machiavelli

Posted by Lorri Brown Mar 10, 2007

Machiavelli believed it was acceptable for a leader to lie to his subjects, if the ends justified means. He also believed that people were inherently greedy and needed a strong leader, otherwise society was doomed.

Do you think this is true today? Obviously certain world leaders have taken Machiavelli’s advice to heart. They lie without the faintest hint of remorse or regret. They justify their lies, citing examples, despite the fact the examples are false. When confronted about their lies, they become righteously indignant and defensive. Are today’s leaders Machiavellian wolves, dressed up in the lambs wool of democracy?

Perhaps Machiavelli is right. Are people inherently greedy? If left to our own devices, without a strong leader, would the world as we know it, come to an end? Writing the article on Machiavelli made think…What if world leaders never lied? What if we always got the spot-on truth. Would that make the world a better place? Are there times when lies are justified?

I would love to hear what you think about Machiavelli and his politics. I have posted a poll and welcome reader feedback. Are there times when Machiavellian practices are a necessity? Would a policy of unabashed honesty work in the real world?