Machiavelli

Political philosopher of the Renaissance period who was born on May 3, 1469. His political career began on June 19, 1498, when he was elected Secretary to the Second Chancery.

Today, the term Machiavellism is understood as a practice of how someone gains or retains power. In popular (mis)reception, the Machiavellian way of doing this has no ethical or moral limits; everything seems to be allowed, as long as someone achieves his or her aims.