Men are so simple and so much inclined to obey immediate needs that a deceiver will never lack victims for his deceptions. – Niccolò Machiavelli
And we didn't even get to the topic of self deception, which can be the most damaging deception of all...
What does that mean?
In this statement to the Princes of Renaissance Italy, the point is that their subjects are fairly simple folk. Their primary focus is their needs, such as food, shelter, and safety. By manipulating their emotions, centered on their needs, a deceiver could whip the populace to their own ends.
Having not read the quote in the full context, I’m not sure if this was meant to point a way the Prince could manipulate their own populace, or if it was a warning to them. Agents of a foreign power, or disaffected members of the populace could use the tools of deception against the Prince and threaten their rule.
Either way, the populace, in order to protect itself, must be vigilant and keep a keen eye on those in power. The price of failing to do so is to risk losing yourself in a storm of emotion, whipped into a frenzy by deceivers, and willing to protect what you feel is important, while they steal you blind.
Why is awareness important?
Without awareness of the aims of others, you risk being deceived. Whether it’s a teenager in your house, a salesman at your door, or those in positions of power (either at work or in politics), deception is often the standard method of operation.
Being deceived is the first step in manipulation of both your emotions and your actions. Unless you like being a puppet on a string, being aware is your first and best defense. When listening, be aware of who is speaking and what their motives are.
Do they stand to gain (money or power) from the action they are urging you to take? Will they get some advantage if you agree with them? Are the things they are saying closely aligned with the facts, or are they stretching things for their own benefit?
Where can I apply this in my life?
While I believe the old rule, I’m going to go there anyway (the rule is that the first one to mention Hitler when trying to make a point automatically loses). I can’t think of any more obvious example in the 20th century than Adolf Hitler.
Yes, things in the Weimar Republic were in a shambles. Inflation was rampant, the terms of the surrender of World War 1 (the Treaty of Versailles) were patently unfair, the country was split into sections and chunks given away to the victors, and extremist politicians and their militias roamed the country.
The people were having their concerns of national identity, fiscal issues, availability of food, and the presence of violence played on by many deceivers. In the end, Adolf Hitler and his Nazi party won out, and the rest, as they say, is history.
While things are not anywhere near that bad in most countries today, there are some where wars or bad economies have people very much in fear of their immediate needs for safety, shelter, food, or water. When their existence is threatened at that basic a level, they will be willing to do almost anything to ensure the survival of their families and friends.
In the more ‘civilized’ parts of the world (by the definition of whom, one might ask), we have fewer direct threats to our immediate needs, so things have to be invented. Often, of late, we in the old US of A have been hearing terms like “The War On ____”, where the blank is filled in by whatever group the particular author or commentator wants rile up.
This is mostly because here, in the US, we’re going into the silly season, and the election is in the air. At stake is the Presidency, every member in the House of Representatives, and roughly 1/3 of the members of the Senate. Both the left and right parties in the US have their pet issues, and with the races heating up, people are being told things that are designed to influence their vote, and give power to certain groups.
Regardless of the source of the deception, being aware is the key. I try to follow the gains, either in money, power, position, prestige, or privilege. This holds true for the salesman, the teenager, the politician, or the boss. Look at what they are willing to say to get what they want, and check the facts. That usually tells you all you need to know.
Everyone tries to influence others to their own advantage. The difference becomes evident when you see the methods. Ethical influence uses the truth and verifiable (and reliable) sources. The deceiver will use statistics, dubious sources, and much hand waving when trying to avoid naming sources.
I would urge you to neither be deceived, nor a deceiver. The more you verify the facts, the less you will accidentally pass on a deception to your friends, and the less likely you are to fall victim to the deceptions of the deceiver.
From: Twitter, @DerMoosealini
confirmed at : http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/n/niccolomac388990.html
Photo by jcoterhals
