Episode #94- How Machiavellian was Machiavelli? (Part I)
Our Fake History
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Old Nick - The Devil's Last Name
In the decades fter his death in 15 27, machiavelli became one of the most dangerous names in europe. Originally written in 15 13, the book only became widely known after it was printed and circulated in 15 32. There's even a belief out there that the english tradition of referring to the devil as old nick comes from niccolo Machiavelli's first name. Now, as it turns out, this is a bit of a historical myth. The etymology of old nick might be derived from the saxon word nikor, which referred to a demonic water dragon. Nevertheless, it's significant that that myth caught on, that so many people believe that the
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