How Machiavellian Are You?

                                                         How Machiavellian Are You?

Read each statement and decide if you agree, are undecided or disagree with it. On a piece of paper write the numbers 1. through 10. Opposite each number place the value of the number that you chose under agree, undecided or disagree. For example, if you agree with statement number 1. you will place a 5next to 1. on your paper.

Statements . . . . . . . . . . Agree Undecided Disagree

1. Most people are honest. 5 3 1

2. Most people think first of their pocket-

books and later about right or wrong. 1 3 5

3. To get someone to like you, tell that

person what he or she wants to hear. 5 3 1

4. The best way to earn someone’s

respect is to be kind and honest. 1 3 5

5. The best way to earn someone’s

loyalty is show him or her your power. 5 3 1

6. There are no absolute rights and

wrongs. “Right” is what works. 5 3 1

7. A good president reads the polls to

find out what people want and

makes those things his policies. 5 3 1

8. Most people are extremely selfish. 5 3 1

9. A promise is a sacred trust. 1 3 5

10. Nice guys finish last. 5 3 1

Now add up the values (numbers) on your paper that you printed next to the numbers 1. through 10.

If your Machiavellian Score Is 10-23

You are not at all Machiavellian. Some would say you are an idealist and an optimist about human nature. You have strong ideas about right and wrong. 

If your score is 24-36

You are more cautious about trusting human nature and less idealistic than those who scored above. You know that selfishness can sometimes get in the way of lofty ideals. 

If your score is 37-50

You are a true Machiavellian. You are practical to the point of being a hard-headed cynic, not very trusting

about human nature, and ready to deal with what is, rather than what ought to be.