Niccolò Machiavelli was a 16th century Italian historian, politician, diplomat, philosopher, humanist, and writer based in Florence during the Renaissance. He is famous for his political writings and advice for rulers, suggesting that strong leadership requires a ruler to act in self-interest, even if unethical, and be willing to use force against enemies and subjects when needed. Some of his most well-known maxims advise rulers to inspire fear rather than love if they cannot have both, that politics have no relation to morals, and that it is better to be a true enemy than a false friend.

1. • Historian
• Politician
• Diplomat
• Philosopher
• Humanist
• Writer

2. Based in Florence during the
Renaissance, he wrote comedies, carnival
songs and poetry but he is particulary
famous as a founder of modern political
science, and more specifically, political
ethics.

3. Where he expresses his views on the importance of a
strong ruler who must not be afraid to be harsh with his
subjects and enemies.
"Machiavellianism" is a
widely used negative term
to characterize
unscrupulous politicians
of the sort Machiavelli
described in The Prince.
The term "Machiavellian" is often associated with deceit,
deviousness, ambition, and brutality.

4.  A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his
promise.
 A wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing
so it would be against his interests.
 Before all else, be armed.
 Benefits should be conferred gradually; and in that
way they will taste better.
 Hatred is gained as much by good works as by evil.
SOME OF MACHIAVELLI’S MAXIMS

5.  I'm not interested in preserving the status quo; I
want to overthrow it.
 It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be
both.
 It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor
titles.
 Politics have no relation to morals.
 A prince also wins prestige for being a true friend or a
true enemy.