Philosophies for Life 85: Niccolò Machiavelli - 6 Powerful Ways to Command Instant Respect (and Never Be Weak Again)
Jun 2, 2025
23:56
In this podcast, we will be talking about 6 powerful ways to command instant respect from the philosophy of Niccolò Machiavelli. Niccolò Machiavelli’s philosophy is called political realism and it emphasizes practical and effective governance.
In "The Prince," Machiavelli introduced the ideas of virtù and fortuna. Virtù refers to skill and cleverness, while fortuna means luck and chance. According to Machiavelli, a successful ruler needs virtù to navigate the unpredictable nature of fortuna. This involves having foresight and being effective, which are crucial for maintaining power in ever-changing situations. Virtù is not about being morally good; it's about being effective and capable. It includes qualities like courage, wisdom, decisiveness, and adaptability. A leader with virtù can shape their destiny and make tough decisions when necessary. This earns them respect because people trust leaders who are thoughtful and strategic in protecting their interests and handling challenges, rather than those who are overly generous or desperate for approval. In society, just as there are financial hierarchies, there is also a hierarchy of respect and reputation. By understanding and applying Machiavelli's ideas, whether you're dealing with colleagues, friends, or even family, these strategies can help you command respect.
So let us look at how to command respect like the prince from the philosophy of Niccolò Machiavelli -
01. It’s Important How Other People Perceive You
02. Be decisive
03. Balance between fear and love
04. Strategically Adapt Yourself
05. Show Generosity in a Measured Way
06. Have Reliance on your own arms
I hope you enjoyed watching the video and hope that this wisdom on how to command respect, from the philosophy of Niccolò Machiavelli will be helpful in your life.
Niccolò Machiavelli was an influential author, philosopher, and historian during the Italian Renaissance. Often called the father of modern political philosophy and political science, he is best known for his work, "The Prince." This book serves as a practical guide for new rulers, offering realistic advice on governance. Machiavelli changed the way people thought about politics by separating it from ethics. Before him, politics was seen as part of moral behavior but Machiavelli focused on what really works in politics, not on how things should ideally be. This approach is called political realism and it emphasizes practical and effective governance.
In "The Prince," Machiavelli introduced the ideas of virtù and fortuna. Virtù refers to skill and cleverness, while fortuna means luck and chance. According to Machiavelli, a successful ruler needs virtù to navigate the unpredictable nature of fortuna. This involves having foresight and being effective, which are crucial for maintaining power in ever-changing situations. Virtù is not about being morally good; it's about being effective and capable. It includes qualities like courage, wisdom, decisiveness, and adaptability. A leader with virtù can shape their destiny and make tough decisions when necessary. This earns them respect because people trust leaders who are thoughtful and strategic in protecting their interests and handling challenges, rather than those who are overly generous or desperate for approval. In society, just as there are financial hierarchies, there is also a hierarchy of respect and reputation. By understanding and applying Machiavelli's ideas, whether you're dealing with colleagues, friends, or even family, these strategies can help you command respect.
So let us look at how to command respect like the prince from the philosophy of Niccolò Machiavelli -
01. It’s Important How Other People Perceive You
02. Be decisive
03. Balance between fear and love
04. Strategically Adapt Yourself
05. Show Generosity in a Measured Way
06. Have Reliance on your own arms
I hope you enjoyed watching the video and hope that this wisdom on how to command respect, from the philosophy of Niccolò Machiavelli will be helpful in your life.
Niccolò Machiavelli was an influential author, philosopher, and historian during the Italian Renaissance. Often called the father of modern political philosophy and political science, he is best known for his work, "The Prince." This book serves as a practical guide for new rulers, offering realistic advice on governance. Machiavelli changed the way people thought about politics by separating it from ethics. Before him, politics was seen as part of moral behavior but Machiavelli focused on what really works in politics, not on how things should ideally be. This approach is called political realism and it emphasizes practical and effective governance.