Machiavellianism in the field of psychology refers to a personality trait that is anchored on deceit, callousness, and indifference towards immorality. Simply put it’s the ability to employ all means necessary to achieve one’s selfish goals (Glifford). It doesn’t matter if people get hurt or whatever casualties will result in the process. This moral framework forms a good guide to understand minds and intelligence as postulated by Niccolo Machiavelli, a philosopher and historian who has been called the father of political science and political philosophy. According to Machiavelli, “Minds are of three kinds: one is capable of thinking for itself; another is able to understand the thinking of others, and a third can neither think for itself nor understand the thinking of others. The first is of the highest excellence, the second is excellent, and the third is worthless.” This is a candid statement that is also highly provocative. Totally expected of Machiavelli, and after reflecting on it, I find that there is some truth in the statement.
Machiavellian intelligence finds great application in the world. Personally, I do not support manipulation, callousness and the indifference towards immorality. However, this knowledge is still valuable for an individual who needs to navigate the work place environment, dwell in a community, and co-exist with family and friends. Simply put, it is important for an individual to fully understand human nature. This calls for an individual to understand the thinking of others, and I agree it’s excellent. Such a mind can easily decipher the thinking of others, what drives them and their aspirations. As callous as it may sound, but also applying Machiavellian intelligence, the most successful people have been able to align themselves with the aspirations of others. You can either help someone more powerful to realize his objectives, and then also benefit in the process. Aligning yourself to the aspirations of others also calls for innovation as you will solve a problem, and get a financial reward.
Having an excellent mind is closely linked to emotional intelligence (Glifford). One is able to have a good relationship with colleagues, supervisors and customers in a work place environment. Someone with this excellent mind is quickly able to identify the best opportunities in which he/she can prosper. The individual will work towards forming the right alliances and linkages that catapult him/her to the next level. I fully support Machiavellian logic on having a mind that can think for itself, and also understand the thinking of other.
The most futile state is having a mind that neither thinks for itself nor understands the thinking of others. It is a sad situation because such an individual is highly vulnerable in this treacherous and highly manipulative world. I believe such an individual is not able to discern danger, and he/she will unconsciously make decisions that will lead him/her to harm’s way. In my own interpretation, it is important to understand Machiavellian logic. This does not necessarily call for one to be callous, manipulative and indifferent to immorality. However, it is a call for an individual to be conscious of the true nature of men in order to survive, and probably thrive in the world.
