Machiavelli today - H2FOZ - News from Foz do Iguaçu

By Professor Caverna – OPINION

If Machiavelli were alive today, he probably wouldn't be writing letters to princes or devising strategies for the court of Florence. He'd be on podcasts, consulting CEOs, and influencing politicians behind the scenes. After all, his work, "The Prince," is still as relevant as ever, even though it was written over 500 years ago. Want to understand how Machiavelli fits into the modern world? Enjoy this journey through the thoughts of the man who redefined the concept of power.

In the 16th century, power was in the hands of monarchs and nobles, but today it is spread in much more complex ways. We have heads of state, corporate leaders, digital influencers and even billionaires who shape society without needing a royal title. If Machiavelli were to speak to these people, he would probably say: “Be feared, but without appearing like a tyrant”. In other words, be in control of the situation, but know how to sell your image with charisma and strategy.

Imagine if Machiavelli were a coach for a digital influencer. He would say something like: “It’s not enough to just create content. You need to know how to manipulate your image, understand what your audience wants to hear and, when necessary, make strategic alliances to maintain your relevance.” Doesn’t that sound exactly like the social media game?

If there’s one thing Machiavelli is known for (and misunderstood for), it’s the idea that “the ends justify the means.” He never actually said it exactly like that, but the spirit of it is there in his work. He argued that a leader must do whatever it takes to maintain power, even if that means making morally questionable decisions.

If we bring this idea into the 21st century, we can see this “flexible morality” in many areas. Companies that exploit aggressive marketing, politicians who make unexpected alliances, and even ordinary people who adjust their values according to the situation. Machiavelli was not saying that you have to be evil, but rather that in a competitive world, naivety can be fatal.
In “The Prince,” Machiavelli talks about how a leader needs to appear virtuous, even if the story behind the scenes is different. Today, this translates perfectly into the culture of Instagram and social media. Have you ever noticed how many politicians, businesspeople, and influencers create a public image that doesn’t always match reality?

Think of a politician who posts photos of himself eating pastries at the market to appear “like everyone else,” while behind the scenes he lives a life of luxury. Or a businessman who claims to be innovative and sustainable, but in practice exploits his employees. For Machiavelli, this is not hypocrisy, it is strategy: “People judge more by appearances than by reality.” And, let’s face it, he wasn’t wrong.
One of Machiavelli's most classic questions is: is it better to be feared or loved? And his answer is brilliant: the ideal would be to be both, but if you have to choose, it's better to be feared than loved. But don't worry, this doesn't mean you have to be a dictator. In today's world, we can translate this into leadership in companies and even in interpersonal relationships.

A good example is the way great CEOs deal with their teams. Some are charismatic and inspire loyalty (like Steve Jobs or Elon Musk), while others maintain control out of fear of consequences (like Jeff Bezos and his high-demand culture at Amazon). In the end, what matters is that the leader maintains his position and makes the system work.

Another essential concept in Machiavelli’s thinking is the relationship between “fortuna” (luck) and “virtù” (ability). For him, luck can influence a person’s life, but true leaders do not depend on it – they create their own opportunities. If we apply this to today, think about the entrepreneurs who have managed to adapt to crises, the startups that have transformed difficulties into innovation, and even the influencers who have taken advantage of trends to grow. Machiavelli would tell you: “Don’t wait for luck, work so that it finds you prepared.”

Now the question arises: could Machiavelli survive in today’s world without being canceled? In an age where opinions are constantly judged and the internet can destroy reputations in minutes, the Florentine thinker would have to be extremely strategic. He would probably understand that the digital age demands a more subtle game, where power needs to be exercised with a balance between control and diplomacy.

However, there is one detail: cancellation, in itself, is also a Machiavellian act. It is used as a tool to overthrow enemies and strengthen certain narratives. If we analyze it in depth, it is just another reflection of the struggle for power, something that Machiavelli would understand perfectly.

Machiavelli may have lived during the Renaissance, but his thinking remains extremely relevant in the modern world. Whether in politics, the corporate world, or even in the world of social media, his ideas about power, strategy, and leadership still shape human behavior.

If you want to survive in the game of life, it might be worth reading “The Prince” and thinking: how can we apply these ideas to today’s world without losing their essence? After all, Machiavelli wasn’t a villain. He was just telling uncomfortable truths about what it takes to achieve and maintain power. So, are you ready to be a prince (or princess) of the 21st century?