Here is why understanding and following the doctrines of Niccolo Machiavelli makes you move forward in life.
Most recently, my wife introduced me to Niccolo Machiavelli’s “Prince.” Like a maximum of 1% of the population, she already has these doctrines within her. It’s intrinsic — no need to force yourself to learn and apply them.
For my part, on the other hand, I must make these efforts.
I’m on my 50th birthday and just had the most astonishing revelation of my life not reading these doctrines. I will come back to this a bit later, but for now, here is a summary of who Niccolo Machiavelli was.
Relatively little is known for sure about Machiavelli. He was born on May 3, 1469, in Florence and, at a young age, became a pupil of a famous Latin teacher, Paolo da Ronciglione. He entered public view with his appointment in 1498 as the second chancellor of the Republic of Florence. During the reign of the Medici.
His subsequent retirement in a coup against the Medici in 1513 forced him to retire to his farm outside Florence. It gave him the opportunity and the impetus to turn to literary pursuits.
His first book was “The Prince” in late 1513–1514. Become one of the three most famous and published books in the history of Italy.
Some of the most inspiring doctrines
In my opinion!
The lion cannot protect itself from traps, and the fox cannot defend itself from wolves. So you have to be a fox to recognize traps and a lion to scare wolves.
The first way to gauge a leader’s intelligence is to look at the men around him.
It is much safer to be feared than loved because love is preserved by the bond of obligation that, due to men’s baseness, is broken at every opportunity for their benefit. Still, fear preserves you with a fear of punishment which never fails.
Anyone who desires constant success must change their conduct over time.
About humanity, we can generally say that they are inconstant, hypocritical and greedy for gain.
Many current and past heads of state, military and business leaders have put into practice these lessons dating back more than 500 years.
Why, if it works for the greats of this world, wouldn’t it work for us? Machiavelli has written extensively on how to obtain, lead and retain power. At the time, this was mainly for Caesar Borgia, who was in charge of Florence at the time.
When you read his writings, you always have to put them in context. Take into account the time when they were written. Then we can transpose them to ours.
Machiavelli’s writings are all the more relevant today. They are reflections inspired by observations of human nature. Which, let’s face it, hasn’t changed over time. Man is and always will be a man.
So, I come back to how and why I put these doctrines into practise in my everyday life. What it gives me. What has changed in my life?
First of all, it has to become a way of thinking at all times. Most of us are familiar with these writings or writings very similar to them. Motivation gurus have taught us this for many years. So why is this not going into our heads?
How many books have I read? How many motivational seminars have I attended? And yet, nothing really struck me.
With Machiavelli, it’s something else. It is the basis of human psychology — the why and how to act and react with others.
When we take this doctrine, for example, “It’s much safer to be feared than loved because…” I understood the mistake that I have made all my life. I did everything to be loved and lovable, even when it was to my disadvantage, which was most of the time.
To be too good is to be deceived with your eyes closed. We also end up not even seeing what is happening because we are so good for others!
It doesn’t say to harm others to be feared, but when we speak, express our displeasure, on the spot, when we are disturbed, that changes everything. Then people fear us. They learn our limits, and we have to make them respect.
Every day we have to carve out a place for ourselves, for our benefit, to preserve our jobs, support our team, protect our families, and ensure our ageing parents’ well-being. Despite the ambient peace, the internal struggle to ensure our survival, standard of living, and aspirations for a better life, is omnipresent. —Marc-André Morel.
It is always the same ideologies that are at the base of all success of a fulfilling and fulfilling life. It is up to us to put them into practice daily. We have to change our behaviour, our way of thinking, of seeing others. You have to surround yourself with people who will move us forward in life and let go of the leeches, parasites and other species that drag us down.
All humans work in one way or another according to their needs and personal advancement. So, why think that some people are so different that we give them the right to harm us?
Finally, all this to invite you to realize your value. To trust yourself and no longer be afraid of displeasing. Be TRUE. Be honest with yourself and see people for who they are, not who you want them to be!
A little tip to finish- When a person comes to you, for whatever reason, always ask yourself: What does this person want from me? Is it in my best interest or only for his good?
It works every time. You will see that your way of thinking, over time, will change to your interest!