Machiavelli Meter

"Does the end justify the means?"

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Pulling strings illustration — Pulling some strings?

Welcome to the Am I Machiavellian? self-assessment! This short quiz is designed to help you explore your own tendencies toward Machiavellian thinking—named after the Renaissance philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli, whose writings are often associated with cunning, strategy, and manipulation.

Machiavelli’s The Prince was published in 1532 and one of the first works of political philosophy. In it, Machiavelli gives advice to future rulers and argues that immoral means must sometimes be used to gain and keep power.

You will be presented with 12 statements. For each, select how much you agree or disagree using the provided scale.
Be honest—there are no right or wrong answers. Your responses are anonymous and for your own reflection.
After completing all questions, your score will be calculated and explained, giving you insight into your Machiavellian traits.

Ready to discover your Machiavellian score? Scroll down and begin the quiz!

Please indicate how much you agree or disagree with each statement,

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1. Never tell anyone the real reason you did something unless it is useful to do so.

2. The best way to handle people is to tell them what they want to hear.

3. One should take action only when sure it is morally right.

4. Most people are basically good and kind.

5. It is safest to assume that all people have a vicious streak and it will come out when they are given a chance.

6. Honesty is the best policy in all cases.

7. There is no excuse for lying to someone else.

8. Generally speaking, people won’t work hard unless they’re forced to do so.

9. All in all, it is better to be humble and honest than to be important and dishonest.

10. When you ask someone to do something for you, it is best to give the real reasons for wanting it rather than giving reasons which carry more weight.

11. Most people who get ahead in the world lead clean, moral lives.

12. Anyone who completely trusts anyone else is asking for trouble.