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[[Image:Nicolo.jpg|right|thumb|250px]]

'''Niccolò Machiavelli''' (1469 - 1527) was the leading political theorist--and the best prose writer--in Italian history. A politician and writer based in [[Florence]] of [[The Renaissance]], he is best known for his book ''The Prince'', which showed how a self-serving ruler will follow the policy that the "end justifies the means," whereby a ruler can gain power (the "means") in any deceitful or unjust manner possible in order to achieve his often undisclosed goals (the "end"). During his time and long afterward, Machiavelli was considered to have been inspired by the devil, and his name has been used for centuries to describe the use or approval of unscrupulous, self-serving political action.  ''The Prince'' made '''"Machiavellian"''' a byword for deceit, despotism and political manipulation, as in a politician who spends all his time and effort on obtaining and retaining power for himself.

'''Niccolò Machiavelli''' (May 3 1469 – June 21 1527) was the leading political theorist--and the best prose writer--in Italian history. A politician and writer based in [[Florence]] of [[The Renaissance]], he is best known for his book ''The Prince'', which showed how a self-serving ruler will follow the policy that the "end justifies the means," whereby a ruler can gain power (the "means") in any deceitful or unjust manner possible in order to achieve his often undisclosed goals (the "end"). During his time and long afterward, Machiavelli was considered to have been inspired by the devil, and his name has been used for centuries to describe the use or approval of unscrupulous, self-serving political action.  ''The Prince'' made '''"Machiavellian"''' a byword for deceit, despotism and political manipulation, as in a politician who spends all his time and effort on obtaining and retaining power for himself.

Was Machiavelli a Machiavellian? The question much debated by scholars is whether Machiavelli intended ''The Prince'' to be an actual guide book in how to be a ruthless tyrant, or--as most scholars argue--wrote it as a warning to republican citizens. While the book was written in the form of a guide for princes, there was no actual prince involved, unlike all the other guide books. For that matter, no tyrant has ever needed the book to get ideas how to oppress people.  On the other hand good citizens do need a guide to evil so that they can recognize it and fight back to keep their republican  institutions, distrust politicians, and keep watch for corruption.  Machiavelli, most scholars believe, was dedicated to republicanism as the best form of government and opposed tyranny. ''The Prince'' was a warning that it could happen like this if citizens let down their guard.

Was Machiavelli a Machiavellian? The question much debated by scholars is whether Machiavelli intended ''The Prince'' to be an actual guide book in how to be a ruthless tyrant, or--as most scholars argue--wrote it as a warning to republican citizens. While the book was written in the form of a guide for princes, there was no actual prince involved, unlike all the other guide books. For that matter, no tyrant has ever needed the book to get ideas how to oppress people.  On the other hand good citizens do need a guide to evil so that they can recognize it and fight back to keep their republican  institutions, distrust politicians, and keep watch for corruption.  Machiavelli, most scholars believe, was dedicated to republicanism as the best form of government and opposed tyranny. ''The Prince'' was a warning that it could happen like this if citizens let down their guard.