Machiavellianism Test
I'd consider bending ethical rules if it meant achieving my goals.
I feel a powerful urge to gain influence and authority.
In my experience, most people aren't too hard to fool.
You should only act when your conscience says it's the right thing to do.
Deep down, everyone has a cruel side that emerges given the opportunity.
Putting your complete faith in someone else is just inviting problems.
Being truthful works better than lying in nearly every situation.
I get satisfaction from directing what other people do.
Whatever it takes to win is acceptable in my book.
I assume others will try to use me for their own benefit.
At their heart, most individuals are not very nice.
I frequently steer people toward doing what I want.
If I reveal any vulnerability, others will exploit it.
I have no problem lying to get what I'm after.
I regularly use compliments to influence people's behavior.
When requesting a favor, it's smarter to explain your genuine reasons instead of inventing better ones.
Your social standing often reflects how well you're doing in life.
Every person has a mean streak if you search for it.
I usually don't let others know what I'm really thinking.
Personal advantage drives most people's actions.
20 questions remaining
What You Should Know
- People who are Machiavellian tend to lie and cheat, don't care about other people, and are willing to use other people to get what they want.
- The word "Machiavellian" comes from the Italian philosopher and writer Niccolò Machiavelli. The Prince, his influential book, says that you should be ruthless when trying to get power.
- Machiavellianism is one of a group of traits that includes narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. These traits all have exploitative qualities and make up the Dark Triad.
- Machiavellians may possess an augmented ability for abstract reasoning and inference, facilitating their strategic planning. One study found that Machiavellianism is linked to high fluid intelligence, but psychopathy and narcissism are not.
- People who are Machiavellian often show signs like being emotionally distant and having a cynical view of the world. They also use subtle pressure tactics like charm, self-disclosure, and guilt, and threats when necessary. They don't have many long-term relationships with partners, friends, or coworkers.
- Machiavellianism arises from an interplay of genetic and environmental influences. The trait's development is probably greatly affected by one's early parental influences and home life.
Change
- Think about therapy. A mental health professional can help if you think that working toward your goals might be hurting your relationships.
- Learn new skills. Learning how to control your emotions, see things from other people's points of view, and set moral standards can help you start to change old habits.
- Think about yourself: Look back on times when you tried to lie or trick someone and see if they worked. You might decide that change is necessary.
