Power. Influence. Control.

The end game for the Machiavellian.

In last week’s essay, we explored The Malignant Narcissist - #1 in the Dark Triad. This week we will discuss The Machiavellian, an individual who treats power as their ultimate currency.

Here’s a quick refresh on The Dark Triad:

1. Narcissism: a grandiose sense of self-importance, a preoccupation with fantasies of success and power, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.

2. Machiavellianism: a cynical view of human nature, a focus on one's own interests and the ability to manipulate others for personal gain, and a willingness to deceive and exploit others to achieve power.

3. Psychopathy: a lack of empathy or remorse, a disregard for social norms and rules, and a tendency towards impulsive and sometimes violent behavior.

What is a Machiavellian?

A Machiavellian is a calculating and ruthless individual who believes that the ends justify the means. They possess a keen understanding of human nature and use this knowledge to manipulate and exploit those around them for their own gain. Machiavellians are skilled at deception and are willing to lie, cheat, and manipulate to achieve their goals. They are unencumbered by moral or ethical considerations and are driven solely by a desire for power and control. They may present a charming and charismatic facade, but beneath the surface lies a cold, calculating, and often cruel personality that is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their objectives. A Machiavellian is a master of intrigue and strategy, and those who underestimate their cunning and ambition will end up serving their master.

The term Machiavellian is based on the Italian writer, diplomat and political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli. He wrote, “The Prince” - widely regarded as one of the most important works in political philosophy.

"The Prince" advocates for the use of cunning, deception and force to maintain power, influence and control.

Machiavelli argues that a ruler should prioritize the preservation of their state above all else, even if it means acting unethically or immorally. He also argues that a ruler should be feared rather than loved, as fear is a more reliable means of maintaining power.

So, when we describe someone as Machiavellian, they embody all of these dark personality traits.

This video provides a brief and entertaining historical perspective of Machiavelli, The Prince and how these dark traits manifest in individuals.

Understanding Machiavellianism has been essential in how I have navigated my career in private enterprise, particularly corporate structures.

In my early 20’s, I had the naive perspective that all my peers and superiors were operating to achieve the goals of the team & company. While true for the majority, I came to realize there were a few who were only concerned with advancing their own position.

You must be careful around these people. They will use you however they see fit.

The Machiavellian is hell bent on power, influence and control. In corporate structures, they won’t stick out of the crowd or be obvious to you. They won’t put in their LinkedIn bio:

I’m an unrepentant Machiavellian who’s driving focus is to accumulate the highest rank in any hierarchical structure I’m apart of. I use cunning, wit and strategy to achieve my ends. I will perform well for the company, but it is not for the betterment of the team. I will smile and help you. But it is not because I care about you. It is to advance my position and accumulate power, influence and control over you - and everyone else around you.

When you reframe certain behavior you observe in coworkers, family members or friends through the lens of power - it can reveal some very dark undercurrents.

Money is not the end game for the Machiavellian. It is a simple tool to achieve their ultimate objective: to accumulate more power.

If money helps the Machiavellian become more powerful, they will use this tool. If ideology can be used to achieve more power, the Machiavellian will use this as a political weapon of hypnosis to achieve their objective. If one of these things is not necessary for the Machiavellian, they will not use it.

This is a very important nuance that I believe is misunderstood by many.

You commonly hear folks say: “[insert politicians name] is just in it for the money." While that might be true for some. It doesn’t explain the entire story.

Power is the Machiavellian’s currency. It is their lifeforce. It is the thing they want more than any material possession or number in their bank account.

In stark contrast, a Narcissist’s end game might be to have the highest net worth, biggest house or flashiest car because it serves them within the social game they are playing. It feeds an ego.

The Machiavellian on the other hand is more concerned with maintaining an unassailable position of power over others. If driving a flashy car or overextending themselves through material goods will stop them from accumulating this power, they will not engage in such activities.

This is a distinct difference between the two. Some people are pure examples of one or the other. However, let’s not forget that many individuals could be both Narcissistic and Machiavellian.

Conclusion

If you are directly apart of a corporate or political hierarchy - guard yourself against those who might use you as a chess piece. As difficult as it is to come to terms with, you will inevitably encounter someone with Machiavellian traits.

The road to Mastery is littered with these characters… sneaky tricksters who might deceive you to achieve their ends.

I believe strongly most people are good. I assume trust until I’m given a reason not to. But let’s not be naive… in a group of 100 people, odds are there might be 1 person who exemplifies traits associated with the Dark Triad.

Have you encountered any?

I hope this week’s essay empowered you with a bit more data you can use on your journey.

Be sure to check out next week’s essay as we finish up exploring the Dark Triad.

Stay vigilant, stay grounded.

Tobias