Machiavelli’s Advice for Nice People Who Don’t Get Far
Sometimes history can offer us the answers we need
If Machiavelli were alive today, he would have asked one of three
Why haven’t you achieved what you intended?
Why didn’t you succeed in that project?
Why haven’t you progressed?
Most people like me would have mentioned something along the lines of being good, kind, and a little too pure. To which he would have bracingly informed us that we are where we are because we’ve been too short-sighted to learn from those who know better.
Machiavelli pointed out an uncomfortable truth: bad people always win while the good lag behind…. Or as we know it today, good guys come last. He stressed that it isn’t because the bad are lucky but simply because they possess a quality that helps them get ahead.
They are capable of doing whatever it takes to further their course. They are not held back by rigid rules and commands. They’re prepared to lie, steal, seduce, and use their charm. If need be, use force and brutality. And in this way, they conquer the world.
By now, you’re probably thinking he is suggesting we become corrupt and immoral. I promise you this is far from that, so stay with me.
