Chapter 23: Flatterers & Truthful Advisors

In chapter XXIII ‘How to avoid flatterers’ Machiavelli a.o. addresses and evil against which princes have much difficulty in defending themselves, if they are not extremely prudent, or have not made good choice of ministers; and this relates to flatterers, who abound in all courts. He states that men in general are so well pleased with themselves and their own acts, and delude themselves to such a degree, that it is with difficulty they escape from the pest of flatterers; and in their efforts to avoid them they expose themselves to the risk of being contemned. A prudent prince therefore should choose for ministers of his government only wise men, and to these only should he give full power to tell him the truth, and they should only be allowed to speak to him of those things which he asks of them, and of none other. But then the prince should ask them about everything, and should listen to their opinions and reflect upon them, and afterwards form his own resolutions. He concludes that good counsels result wholly from the prince’s own sagacity; but the wisdom of the prince never results from good counsels.

To what extent do Machiavelli’s thoughts apply to the roles and responsibilities of modern leaders from different countries, cultures and trades? Should a leader make concerns in regards to avoiding flatterers or seeking proper council? And what about artists, how should they react to inputs or critique?

Discover The Mind of a Leader…

Participants:
  Philippe Starck
  Jørgen Vig Knudstorp
  Philip Kotler
  Nicolas Winding Refn
  Dr. Ulrich Bez
  Pat Boone
  Steven Hilton