Someone who uses cunning and scheming to get what they want, with no regard for morality or other people. The term 'Machiavellian' is inspired by the Italian Renaissance writer Machiavelli's book 'The Prince' which was dedicated to Lorenzo di Piero de' Medici, on the Medici family's return to Florence. In writing the book, Machiavelli's aim was to flatter the returning ruler, and perhaps seek some new role for himself (so in this respect, the book itself could be said to be Machiavellian).
Machiavellian
Fact of the Day
The world’s oldest tree is a 9,500-year-old Norwegian Spruce named 'Old Tjikko'.
Quote of the Day
"I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends.
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~ Abraham Lincoln
On This Day
1040 Duncan I of Scotland was killed by Macbeth (or Macbeth's men) near Elgin.
1941 The Atlantic Charter was signed by Churchill and Roosevelt, stating their post-war goals for a new world.
1947 Pakistan achieved independence from Britain.
1967 The Marine Broadcasting Offences Act became law, banning offshore 'pirate' radio stations from broadcasting.
1969 British troops arrived in Northern Ireland in what was planned to be a short-lived, 'limited operation'. They stayed there for the next thirty-eight years.