What is Machiavellianism?

Response

Machiavellianism is an antisocial personality trait characterized by a lack of emotion and a belief that the end justifies the means. Psychologists identify Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy as the three traits of the “dark triad” model of personalities. These traits are maladaptive, often marked by a lack of empathy and a disregard for morality, feeling “above” moral standards. Individuals with dark triad traits, such as Machiavellianism, are typically highly manipulative and adept at influencing individuals who exhibit normal levels of empathy.

The term Machiavellianism originates from Niccolò Machiavelli, a political figure from the sixteenth century who advocated for an amoral, ends-justify-the-means approach to politics. He argued that politicians and rulers should act as if engaging in a game, rather than adhering to moral principles, to achieve success. His book, “The Prince,” offers numerous strategies for playing these unscrupulous political games.

In the 1960s, psychologists Richard Christie and Florence L. Geis sought to explore manipulative behavior in humans. They incorporated statements from Machiavelli’s works into their assessments and created a “Mach” scale to evaluate subjects based on their agreement with these philosophies. Individuals scoring high on the scale endorsed Machiavelli’s principles, leading to the term Machiavellianism to describe those who exhibit pathologically manipulative behaviors.

Queen Jezebel likely would have scored high on the Mach scale, given her willingness to lie and manipulate for personal gain. In 1 Kings 19, King Ahab desired a vineyard he could not acquire legally. Jezebel, his wife, took matters into her own hands by fabricating letters (verse 8), declaring a false “day of fasting,” and feigning honor for Naboth.The owner of the vineyard (verse 9); hiring two “scoundrels” to bring false charges against Naboth (verse 10); and having Naboth stoned to death (verse 13). As soon as the wicked deed was done, Jezebel told Ahab, “Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell you. He is no longer alive, but dead” (verse 15). It was a cold Machiavellian plot, involving deception and murder, but all in a day’s work for the cold-hearted Jezebel.

The Bible speaks against philosophies that encourage lying, manipulation, or an end-justifies-the-means mentality. Using others’ trust and love to gain an advantage is wicked, according to Scripture. We should not listen to those who engage in or encourage this kind of behavior, for by listening to them we will become like them. “An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue” «A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; And a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue. », (Proverbs 17:4, ESV). That is not to say that the study of Machiavellianism or manipulative traits, for the purpose of understanding psychology, is wrong. However, the study of Machiavellianism in order to learn and put into practice self-seeking political tactics would definitely be wrong in God’s eyes. Machiavellianism has no place in interpersonal relationships.

The Bible calls the devil “a liar and the father of lies” «Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. », (John 8:44, ESV), and there are those who imitate Satan, the original liar, in order to unfeelingly control and manipulate the weak. Scripture warns against those who follow “deceptive practices.”It warns against deceitful spirits and teachings of demons propagated by dishonest individuals with seared consciences” (1 Timothy 4:1-5;ESV). This biblical illustration aligns with what we now refer to as Machiavellianism.