ABSTRACT
The term “Machiavellianism” originates in the name of Renaissance writer NiccolÒ Machiavelli, who provided in his work titled The Prince a detailed discussion of the tactics a ruler should follow in order to gain and keep power. American researchers Richard Christie and Florence Geis were the first to approach Machiavellianism from a psychological perspective, describing it as a personality trait, as an attitude to the world, and as a behaviour. They not only established the scientific basis of manipulative personality and thinking but they also developed a test providing a measure of Machiavellianism. Machiavellians are first and foremost manipulative: they deceive and exploit others. Second, they are inclined to behave unethically; they can easily separate themselves from moral percepts. The third central feature of the Machiavellian worldview is cynicism and distrust: they constantly attribute negative traits to people. Fourth, Machiavellians are cold-blooded persons: they detach themselves from the emotional aspects of situations and do not concern themselves with others’ feelings. Finally, all of the previously discussed attributes are closely related to a lack of empathy. This is one of the most important Machiavellian characteristics, if not the most important one.
