Niccolo Machiavelli - Beware of Flatterers

Recently, I have been re-reading this classic book written in the late 15th century by the Venetian courtesan Niccolo Machiavelli - The Prince.

It is standard reading for all statesmen, politicians, kings, queens, princes and anybody who is holding a position of responsibility. 

One of the most fascinating chapters is about "Flatterers". Never be swayed by flattery so as to follow the flatterer. 

Here are the key takeaways. 

The courtyards of the old kings, and princes are full of people who are sycophants. Or ecolytes whose primary purpose is to render some service to the royalty. Hence a wise prince must steer clear of flattery when it is ill intended or with some kind of ulterior motive behind the person paying the compliment.

1. There is no way you (as the Prince) can guard against flattery. You can never guess what the person you are interacting is thinking. In addition, as you are more senior in title and of nobility, they would want to 'curry favor' you at every conceivable opportunity, so it is best to be guarded when you are at the receiving end of a compliment, especially from a person who id directly reporting to you.

2. The prince should elect wise men and women and give them permission to speak to him truthfully - ideally in private or in a one to one setting. The truth hurts most times, but the truth does set a person free from his own biases and a preconceived mindset

3. The Prince once he has listened to the wise men and women, should then deliberate whether the opinion or the strategy is in the best interest of his job and then decide for himself whether he should accomodate or implement the opinion and / or strategy approriately.

Of course, the wise men and women, may not have their feet on the ground as is the case of many people who are elderly and they may not be 'clued in' to what is actually the ground sentiment.

However, as they are elderly and experienced, they can observe and advise the Prince on what is the right thing to do, though it may be painful at times, the populist prince is soon dethroned. 

4. The Prince should only seek advice when he wants to. He should not listen to all and sundry as 10 advisors will give 10 different paths to chart.

5. A wise man has something to say. A fool has to say something. There is a distinct difference in the 2 kinds of people.

6. In the final analysis, good advice, must arise from the prudence of the prince and NOT the prudence of the prince adapting to good advice. This is KEY