How Niccolò Machiavelli and Cesare Borgia Teach Us Powerful Lessons in Leadership
We can’t let history repeat itself.
As a Ph.D. researcher who specializes in leadership, I gathered insights about Machiavellianism to better understand the inner machinations and personalities of Machiavellian leaders.
Niccolò Machiavelli was a Renaissance-era Italian diplomat, philosopher, and historian. He is well-renowned for his book “The Prince” from 1513. It’s a 16th-century treatise that served as an instruction guide for new royals and princes.
While Machiavelli stayed at the court of Cesare Borgia, he eventually met Borgia himself. The premise behind “The Prince” was inspired by the personality and qualities of Cesare Borgia.
“It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.” Niccolo Machiavelli
How Borgia Became the Model “Prince”
Cesare Borgia had a reputation for his ruthlessness and wickedness. The illegitimate son of Pope Alexander VI, and commander of the church’s forces, he strengthened his father’s political influence.
He even attempted to secure his own sovereign in central Italy.
