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Machiavellianism: The Psychology of Manipulation
The world abounds with tricksters, swindlers, and impostors. Many of them may well be described with the term Machiavellian. Such individuals disrespect moral principles, deceive their fellow beings, and take advantage of others’ frailty and gullibility. They have a penetrating, rational, and sober mind undisturbed by emotions. At times we cannot help but be enchanted by their talent even though we know they misuse it.
Recent studies have revealed that Machiavellians possess a complex set of abilities and motivations. This insightful book examines the complexities of the Machiavellian trait, in relation to attitude, behaviour, and personality. By integrating results and experiences from social, personality, cognitive, and evolutionary psychology, Tamás Bereczkei explores the characteristics of Machiavellianism (such as social intelligence, deception, manipulation, and lack of empathy), and the causes and motives guiding Machiavellian behaviour. The author also demonstrates how Machiavellianism is related to strategic thinking and flexible long-term decisions rather than to a short-term perspective, as previously thought, and explores Machiavellianism in relation to the construct of the Dark Triad.
The first comprehensive psychological book on Machiavellianism since Christie and Geis’ pioneering work in 1970, Machiavellianism summarises the most important research findings over the last few decades. This book is fascinating reading for students and researchers of psychology and related courses, as well as professionals dealing with Machiavellians in their work and practice.
Recent studies have revealed that Machiavellians possess a complex set of abilities and motivations. This insightful book examines the complexities of the Machiavellian trait, in relation to attitude, behaviour, and personality. By integrating results and experiences from social, personality, cognitive, and evolutionary psychology, Tamás Bereczkei explores the characteristics of Machiavellianism (such as social intelligence, deception, manipulation, and lack of empathy), and the causes and motives guiding Machiavellian behaviour. The author also demonstrates how Machiavellianism is related to strategic thinking and flexible long-term decisions rather than to a short-term perspective, as previously thought, and explores Machiavellianism in relation to the construct of the Dark Triad.
The first comprehensive psychological book on Machiavellianism since Christie and Geis’ pioneering work in 1970, Machiavellianism summarises the most important research findings over the last few decades. This book is fascinating reading for students and researchers of psychology and related courses, as well as professionals dealing with Machiavellians in their work and practice.
- GenresPsychology
170 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 18, 2017
Tama Bereczkei leads the Evolutionary Psychological Research group at the University of Pecs in Hungary, an institution of higher learning dating back to 1367. And the marketing summary promises a book that will be fascinating to students and researchers as well as professionals dealing with Machiavellians in the workplace.
The book easily exceeds that standard and should be very appealing to anyone in the field of psychology. It is exhaustive in its research and relentless in its aspiration to scientific objectivity and completeness.
My initial attraction was admittedly a little different. I am interested in the conventions of power and its assignment within our political and business institutions, as I believe it is power that is at the heart of the current epidemic of racial and gender oppression, sexual abuse, and the rising levels of inequality in wealth and income in America. In short, it seems that there are just too many Machiavellians running the show and I’d like to understand why and what we can do about it.
And I admit that from that perspective the book didn’t quite satisfy my hope, but only due to an over-reach of hope rather than the quality of the book. Scientific inquiry, in large part, is the search for patterns and that’s exactly what the author does here. Through reference to the growing body of research on the topic, he dimensions Machiavellianism to an extent, although I am not an expert, which I suspect is groundbreaking.
It is fascinating. I was particularly interested in his comparisons of the three dimensions of what Bereczkei refers to as the Dark Triad – Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy. And, as a parent, his research relating to the importance of parenting. Our collective accountability is a bit over-whelming according to his research, but obviously good to know going in.
Perhaps the more important point here is that even if you are not a practicing psychologist or a researcher, there is plenty here to hold your interest and make the investment of time and money well worth it.
In the end, it’s a well-researched and well-written book that deserves an academic A+. I’m still wondering what to do about all of the princes out there who are manipulating us out of a future. I am persistent, however, as I now know Machiavellians are, too, so I will keep at it.
The book easily exceeds that standard and should be very appealing to anyone in the field of psychology. It is exhaustive in its research and relentless in its aspiration to scientific objectivity and completeness.
My initial attraction was admittedly a little different. I am interested in the conventions of power and its assignment within our political and business institutions, as I believe it is power that is at the heart of the current epidemic of racial and gender oppression, sexual abuse, and the rising levels of inequality in wealth and income in America. In short, it seems that there are just too many Machiavellians running the show and I’d like to understand why and what we can do about it.
And I admit that from that perspective the book didn’t quite satisfy my hope, but only due to an over-reach of hope rather than the quality of the book. Scientific inquiry, in large part, is the search for patterns and that’s exactly what the author does here. Through reference to the growing body of research on the topic, he dimensions Machiavellianism to an extent, although I am not an expert, which I suspect is groundbreaking.
It is fascinating. I was particularly interested in his comparisons of the three dimensions of what Bereczkei refers to as the Dark Triad – Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy. And, as a parent, his research relating to the importance of parenting. Our collective accountability is a bit over-whelming according to his research, but obviously good to know going in.
Perhaps the more important point here is that even if you are not a practicing psychologist or a researcher, there is plenty here to hold your interest and make the investment of time and money well worth it.
In the end, it’s a well-researched and well-written book that deserves an academic A+. I’m still wondering what to do about all of the princes out there who are manipulating us out of a future. I am persistent, however, as I now know Machiavellians are, too, so I will keep at it.
June 18, 2021
Machiavellianism factors down to reducing emotions that distract from the most rational move towards gain and choosing this rational move even if it goes against the social norm, so long as you don't get caught.
Unlike psychopaths, high Machs don't manipulate people for fun or get any "good" feeling out of just doing so. They will manipulate others only if it serves their purposes or brings them closer to gain.
High Machs also believe that everybody else thinks the same way they do and so they are justified in taking advantage of others because it would just be as likely that they themselves would get taken advantage of.
There was found to be a greater amount of brain activity in high Machs when analyzing an offer from someone who was cooperative than from someone who also sought to take advantage. Low Machs, on the other hand, showed the reverse.
Unlike psychopaths, high Machs don't manipulate people for fun or get any "good" feeling out of just doing so. They will manipulate others only if it serves their purposes or brings them closer to gain.
High Machs also believe that everybody else thinks the same way they do and so they are justified in taking advantage of others because it would just be as likely that they themselves would get taken advantage of.
There was found to be a greater amount of brain activity in high Machs when analyzing an offer from someone who was cooperative than from someone who also sought to take advantage. Low Machs, on the other hand, showed the reverse.
August 31, 2020
It is a very interesting book however it is not for the common reader, you have to have some knowledge or interest in psychology to fully understand and enjoy the book. You do, however, have some very interesting examples of Machiavelli profiles and can have a notion of this type of person. Recommend if you are keen to the subject.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews