Everything You Need To Know About Machiavellianism

Machiavellianism is one of the three types of “Dark Triad” personality characteristics, with the other two being narcissism and psychopathy. For those unaware, the Dark Triad is often used to describe individuals who have negative personality traits, such as those lacking remorse and empathy.

Defining Machiavellianism

Machiavellianism became a common term in the 16th century to describe the art of deception and for gaining advantages. The word “Machiavellianism” derives from Niccolò Machiavelli, a diplomat, philosopher, and author of the political treatise “The Prince”.

Machiavellianism is a personality trait that implies deceit and manipulation, as well as harsh and calculating attitudes toward others. It also causes people to be self-centered, frugal, and exploitative to others for personal gain.

In my view, Peter Baelish from Game of Thrones is a prominent example of Machiavellianism. His conniving and mysterious nature in social politics gave him many opportunities to deceive others when they least expected it.

5 Signs of Machiavellianism

There are many traits associated with those who are Machiavellian. A few of these following traits may make them easier to identify.

1. They Thrive in Uncertainty

Machiavellians thrive in places where the boundaries and rules are vague, unwritten, and/or unclear. Machiavellians are often miserable in places where they have to follow regulations. Usually, they prefer to disregard the institutional rules in favor of their own set of rules.

2. They Watch Unpleasant Things Unfold

Machiavellians are incapable of expressing their emotions and often appear disconnected from their immediate or broad surroundings. However, Machiavellians prefer seeing unpleasant events unfold and do not act upon them.

This contrasts with the rest of us who would exhibit negative emotions like restlessness, fear, and anxiety when seeing similar terrible events unfold.

3. They Initially Seem Charismatic (Despite Making You Feel Guilty)

Machiavellians will initially appear charismatic, charming, and kind. They will employ some surprisingly gentle and strong approaches to achieve their personal goals, such as showcasing a grand sense of conscientiousness.

However, they’ll also use the same superpowers to make you feel guilty — even if you did nothing wrong.

4. They Enjoy Hostility

Machiavellians thrive under hostile circumstances. Surprisingly, they will be seen by those around them as agreeable as they employ subtle tactics to obtain and secure some sense of loyalty.

Machiavellians will gradually lose their influence, especially as others notice their increasingly slimy untrustworthiness over a period of time.

5. Morals and Ethics Are Out the Window

Moral and ethical criteria are of little importance to a Machiavellian. They prioritize money, power, and competitiveness over authentic and emotional relationships. Machiavellians often use charm, deception, compulsion, and sometimes aggression to win and get what they want. They will try to win what they want at any cost.

Final Takeaways

In the “Dark Triad” of personality, Machiavellianism is a personality type to watch out for. As mentioned earlier, they thrive under uncertainty, hostility and lawlessness. They watch terrible things as they unfold — while doing nothing about it. They will also come across as charismatic, wielding their charm to make you feel guilty. Thriving in this hostility, they are at their prime.

It is important to know who the Machiavellians are in your life. It will help you identify who is pulling the strings in the background, using that to influence and/or manipulate your or others.

Maintain a safe distance, establish firm boundaries, and be aware of how others may be harming your own vulnerabilities. As they always say, it’s best to be safe about such matters.

Thank you for reading ❤

Disclaimer: The original version of this story was published on another platform.

Link to original version: https://medium.com/preoccupy-negative-thoughts/everything-you-need-to-know-about-machiavellianism-8851c3745a25

References:

Dean, J. (2021, June 10). 4 signs of machiavellian personality traits. PsyBlog. https://www.spring.org.uk/2021/06/machiavellian-personality-disorder.php

Garis, M. G. (2020, January 24). The dark triad personality includes narcissism, psychopathy, and a third lesser-known demonic trait. Well+Good. https://www.wellandgood.com/what-is-machiavellianism/

Taylor, B. (2016, November 24). Machiavellianism, cognition, and emotion: Understanding how the Machiavellian thinks, feels and thrives. Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/lib/machiavellianism-cognition-and-emotion-understanding-how-the-machiavellian-thinks-feels-and-thrives#6

Towler, A. (2021, August 19). Machiavellianism. CQ Net. https://www.ckju.net/en/dossier/machiavellianism-what-it-how-recognize-and-cope-machiavellians