Controlling people quiz
 

Published originally in the 15th century, Niccolo Machiavelli’s book, THE PRINCE, discusses the use of
manipulation and power as a technique for controlling other people.
Are you Machiavellian?

Controlling people quiz

THE TERM “Machiavellian” has come to be used
to describe devious, manipulative people who
are motivated only by their own self-interest.

How Machiavellian are you? This test may help
you find out. Respond to each statement below
by using the following scale:
I = Disagree strongly
2 = Disagree mildly
3 = Neutral; no opinion
4 = Agree mildly
5 = Agree strongly

ONE: the best way to handle people is to tell
them what they want to hear.

TWO: when you ask someone to do
something, it’s better to give the real reasons than
reasons that might carry more weight.

THREE: anyone who trusts anyone else is
asking for trouble
.
FOUR: it’s hard to get ahead without cutting
corners a little.

FIVE: it’s safest to assume that everyone has
a vicious streak that will come out if given the
opportunity.

SIX: you should act only when your action is
morally right.

SEVEN: most people are basically good and
kind.

EIGHT: there is no excuse for lying.

NINE: most people get over more easily the
death of a parent than the loss of a property.

TEN: most people won’t work hard unless
they’re forced to.






Scoring: for items 2, 6, 7, and 8, reverse your
score so that 5 becomes 1, 4 becomes 2, and so on.
Then add up all ten numbers for your total score.
A score of 25 is average. A higher score, 38 for
example, would classify you as High Mach.
A significantly lower score makes you a Low
Mach. ■