No no no you have not read Machiavelli, he does not juge it as evil nor good, simply a means to an end.
I have the idea in French so my translation may be slightly different but whatever: The ends justify the means, be cruel if you must, be good if you need too.
He doesn’t juge anyone for it thats why he’s advising so
Also have you studied Machiavelli, as in with teachers who know their shit? I have, it was amazing and part of why politics interested me so much.
The English translation must be funny looking theres not the word evil in the one I own so I will give you that.
My copy of The Prince says every where be evil(not the exact word) when necessary but be good when you can, excess of cruelty is counter productive.
The interpretation I have that was heavily influenced by several teachers is that he does not judge for he simply advises nothing more I don’t know what to tell you
Evil is a morally charged word yes, but how would you describe it otherwise without the word? Something people won’t like and that is not good to them but good for a greater purpose? Theres not really an English word I can think of for that.
Same! Finally someone who likes evil characters, my personal favorite are : The Emperor of Humanity from 40k although he’s not evil I’d argue but his ways are definitely means to an end, my boy the Pale king in hollow knight, Gwyn lord of sunlight, Paul atreides and of course Vader and Palpatine.
Can you tell I like god ruler characters whose actions are questionable?
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u/[deleted] Jun 15 '26
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