Dark Triad · personality trait
Machiavellianism
Strategic, manipulative thinking. Other people are seen as a means to an end.
At a glance
In plain words
Machiavellianism describes a coolly strategic way of dealing with people: planning ahead, playing tactics, and being willing to influence or deceive others to reach your own goals. It often rests on a cynical view of the world ("everyone is ultimately out for themselves").
Unlike impulsivity, Machiavellianism is deliberate and long-term. Someone high on it rarely comes across as loud or chaotic — more calculating, reserved, and good at keeping options open.
This too is a normally distributed personality trait, not a diagnosis. Strategic thinking itself is value-neutral; it becomes a concern when morality is consistently subordinated to advantage.
lower higher
Direction of typical associations (not exact values). Based on Paulhus & Williams (2002) and SD3 research.
Not either-or: the trait is distributed like a bell curve — most people sit in the middle, few at the extremes. (Illustration)
The science
Definition & origin
Within the Dark Triad (Paulhus & Williams, 2002), Machiavellianism is marked by strategic manipulation, a cynical view of people and the world, moral flexibility, and emotional detachment in the service of one's goals.
The term comes from Niccolò Machiavelli and his work "The Prince" (Il Principe, 1513). It entered personality psychology through Christie & Geis (1970) with the MACH-IV scale.
Facets
Core components are planful manipulation, cynicism/distrust, strategic deception, and a coalition- and resource-orientation ("the ends justify the means"). The behavior is typically controlled and forward-looking.
Measurement
The most widely used measure is the MACH-IV (Christie & Geis, 1970). Within the Dark Triad, the 9-item subscale of the Short Dark Triad (SD3; Jones & Paulhus, 2014) is used.
Distinction from psychopathy
Machiavellianism and psychopathy share coldness and manipulation but differ in impulse control: Machiavellians act deliberately, patiently and with awareness of risk, whereas psychopathy is more strongly tied to impulsivity and thrill-seeking.
At the Big Five level, high scores mainly go with low agreeableness and low conscientiousness.
Important
This page explains an everyday personality trait, not a diagnosis. An online test is not a diagnostic instrument and does not replace a professional assessment.
Learn moreFrequently asked
Is Machiavellianism the same as psychopathy?
No. Both share coldness and manipulation, but Machiavellianism is deliberate and long-term, while psychopathy is more impulsive and thrill-oriented.
Where does the term come from?
From Niccolò Machiavelli's "The Prince" (1513). As a personality measure it was introduced by Christie & Geis (1970) with the MACH-IV scale.
Is strategic thinking bad?
No — it's value-neutral and often useful. It only becomes a concern when moral considerations are consistently subordinated to personal advantage.
How is Machiavellianism measured?
Classically with the MACH-IV (Christie & Geis, 1970); in Dark Triad research with the SD3 subscale (Jones & Paulhus, 2014).
Where do you land?
The darkquiz test places you on all three axes of the Dark Triad — through everyday scenarios, in a few minutes.
Take the testThe other two traits
Sources
- Paulhus & Williams (2002), Journal of Research in Personality, 36, 556–563
- Jones & Paulhus (2014), Short Dark Triad (SD3), Assessment, 21(1), 28–41
- Lee & Ashton (2005), Dark Triad in the HEXACO model, Personality and Individual Differences, 38, 1571–1582
- Dark Triad — Wikipedia (overview & further references)