Machiavellianism is mainly a set of ideas on governing power. Politicians actually do everything they do in accordance with the basic ideas of Machiavellianism. It can be said to be the bible of Western power-seeking. The specific manifestations are as follows:?

1. The military and law are the basis of power. ?

2. The monarch should monopolize power, focus on strength, and be proficient in military affairs. ?

3. The monarch should not be bound by any moral principles. He only needs to consider whether the effect is beneficial and does not need to consider whether the means are harmful. He can show kindness externally and be cunning inwardly, or he can imitate the fox and the lion. It can be both cunning and cruel.

4. The monarch can be an enemy of the nobles, but not the people. ?

5. The monarch should not seek false fame but pay attention to reality. Cruelty and kindness, stinginess and generosity must all be based on reality. A wise king would rather be ridiculed for being stingy than seek the reputation of being generous.

Extended information

Machiavellian Stake: Machiavelli believes that human beings are extremely stupid and always have unsatisfied desires and inflated ambitions; they are always influenced by interests. Seeking advantages and avoiding disadvantages, being selfish. Therefore, altruism and justice do not exist, and people's occasional good deeds are just a disguise to gain fame and benefits.

People are "ungrateful, double-minded, deceptive, pretending to be good people, desperate and greedy"; even the best people are prone to corruption, because doing evil things is more beneficial to themselves. Lies are more pleasing to others. People have a natural tendency to submit to power. What a monarch needs is cruelty, not love.

People should choose lions and foxes among wild animals. They should be as cruel as lions and as cunning as foxes. The monarch may as well become accustomed to doing evil and not be troubled by being criticized for his cruel behavior; "compassion is dangerous, and human love is enough to destroy a country." Machiavelli famously said: "As long as the end is right, the means may be justified" or "In order to achieve the most noble end, the meanest means may be used."