Word of the day: Machiavellian

Some people appear to go about things as though they were playing a strategic game, taking into account the possible reactions of others and planning their actions according to their objectives. Their actions are not determined by ethical reasons, but by the means by which their goals are attained. It can be said that regardless of whether we speak of politics, commerce, or personal affairs, Machiavellianism is present here.The term often has an unfavourable connotation, implying deceitful and manipulative behaviour.Machiavellian refers to someone cunning, strategic, and willing to manipulate others to achieve their goals, often without regard for morality.The term Machiavellian comes from Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian political theorist whose most famous book is The Prince. Machiavelli's theories explored the way in which rulers could retain power, and he suggested that deceit and manipulation were sometimes essential.His ideas evolved into the notion of craftiness and strategy. The term "Machiavellian" started to be employed in the English language during the sixteenth century to refer to people who employ devious and dishonest methods to accomplish their objectives.