Explaining the Machiavellian mindset.from @kolbykirschner

Transcript

Imagine someone who is always thinking three steps ahead. They know exactly what they want better instead of asking for it directly, they carefully influence the people around them to get it. Welcome to the human nature files where we study the strange patterns behind why people think, feel and behave the way they do. This is file three, the Machiavellian mind. They may flatter someone when it benefits them. Hide information when it gives them an advantage or say exactly what someone wants to hear. But here's what's interesting. They don't necessarily see themselves as a bad person. Tier mind, they simply believe that tier results matter more than the intentions. This type of person is associated with strategic manipulation, emotional detachment, and a strong focus on personal goals. A highly Machiavellian person is constantly calculating. Who can help me? What do they want? What should I reveal? They're not just interacting with the person in front of them. They're thinking about the outcome that they can create through them. But here's where it can get a little weird and complex because being strategic doesn't necessarily mean that you're Machiavellian. Planning ahead is useful. Understanding what motivates people is useful. Knowing how to negotiate, worse, and read a room are actually valuable social skills to have. But the difference is how you use that understanding. You can understand someone to communicate with them better or you can understand them to control them better. The same understanding of human nature can create a completely different behavior depending on the intention behind it. That right there may be the most important distinction. Machiavellianism isn't simply about being better, but it's what happens when people stop being people and they become chess pieces on a board.