People living in modern society are very different. They have different points of view, measures of interaction with others. But, of course, one thing connects them all: the goal in life that everyone would like to achieve. Methods for achieving the goal, sometimes, also differ.
What is Machiavellianism?
The term Machiavellianism is derived from the English word machiavellianism. At first it was used in discussions of political science, which implied a very tough state policy that used brute force. Subsequently, the term moved to a completely different industry. Machiavellianism in psychology means a person’s personal beliefs that he can and should manipulate other people. Also, this term assumes that a person has certain skills for this that he develops to achieve his goals, usually this person has the gift of persuasion, moreover, he is well versed in what other people want, knows their intentions, aspirations, desires .
The emergence of the term "Machiavellianism"
This phenomenon was first discussed in the Renaissance after the light saw the work of the Italian thinker Niccolo Machiavelli called "Sovereign". In it, N. Machiavelli shared his ideas, where he connected the tendency to manipulate with the personal characteristics of individual individuals. In his opinion, during the rule of the state, the ruler does not have to take into account the wishes of the people, because with brute force you can achieve anything, and the people will have nowhere to go, he will fulfill any requirements. For the sake of prosperity and development of the state, the interests of ordinary people can be neglected. In modern times, the concept of Machiavellianism is more equivalent to cynicism, cunning and cunning.
Principles of referral
From the very beginning of his career, Machiavelli was distinguished by cunning and cunning. Throughout his life, he made a huge contribution to ensuring that his beloved Florence stand on the world political arena. He had some time to communicate with Cesare Borgia, a cruel and prudent Italian commander who dreams of creating a single Italian state and managing it. But in his game he was not always honest. Machiavelli's work The Sovereign described precisely this man, where he put forward his principles of Machiavellianism. The fact is that soon a war broke out between the Roman Empire and Venice. Riots began in the country, and N. Machiavelli goes to prison on charges of conspiracy. Under the threat of execution and torture, he does not admit his guilt, so he is released. In his work, he describes how those who preach good and justice, in fact, build their power on cruelty and violence. It was in honor of Machiavelli that a separate direction was called Machiavellianism. This is a kind of conviction that it is better for the state to be ruled by a cruel ruler who does not hide his intentions, but keeps him under control than a dozen weak people who do not understand anything in political affairs. In his understanding, the fundamental principle should be a strong state with an equally strong ruler, leading his people to prosperity.
The psychological properties of personality
The term "Machiavellianism" has long been used in foreign psychology. It is about a person’s behavior in interpersonal relationships, when he hides his true intentions by any means and uses special maneuvers and manipulations (this can be flattery, deception, intimidation, etc.) to distract the attention of others, as a result of which they themselves do not understand, doing everything they were told. Scientists have proved that a person who has Machiavellianism is a person who is subject to excessive suspicion, hostility, negativity and selfishness. That is, such a person in his relations with other people behaves coldly and alienated due to distrust of others. People with Machiavellianism are ambitious, smart, persistent, they always know what they want. Indecision, cowardice and sentimentality are weakly expressed.
Research Methodology
In Russian psychology, the concept of "Machiavellianism" is not as widespread as in foreign. American scientists have conducted several studies of the "Sovereign" and on its basis have compiled a number of psychological questions to identify Machiavellianism. Since Machiavellianism is common in interpersonal relationships, there are a huge number of examples. My daughter does a math assignment, suddenly she asks her mom to come up and help her. Mom helps. After a while, my daughter again asks for a service, mom comes up again. And then again, and again. Finally, after the next request, my mother does not stand up, sits down next to her and finishes the task herself. My daughter is glad, because she was not going to do this task at all, and now she is glad that she was able to make her mother complete the task for her. That is, in the understanding of scientists, Machiavellianism is a combination of emotional and behavioral characteristics, in which a person is able to convince another to follow his instructions when communicating.
Research results
In their answers to psychological questions, the Machiavellianists rated the moral qualities of their personality very low. This means that they recognize the impossibility of combining their type of behavior and socially approved moral attitudes. The results of the study suggest that the Machiavellians are more sociable and this does not depend on whether they lie or tell the truth, but decency, honesty, friendliness are in the background. In addition, it turned out that in women, the rates of Machiavellianism are slightly higher than in men.