Meet Niccolo Machiavelli
Pronounced Mac-ee-ah-vel-ee- Niccolo lived in Italy from 1469-1527.
- His father was a lawyer who wanted his son to be successful, so he made sure he had a great education, and that he could speak several languages.
- When Niccolo grew up, he not only did philosophy, but he wrote poetry, plays and music.
- He also worked with the government, and helped to run the army.
- Because he spent so much time helping people to run the country, a lot of his philosophy was about being a good leader.
- He believed that a good leader sometimes has to get tough with people, and make very strict rules.
- In his view, being tough was the only way to make sure people behaved themselves.
- He also believed that if a leader expected other people to always follow the rules, then he or she should be on their best behaviour too! Talk about a tough job!
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