The darker side of kindness and why Machiavelli distrusted it
This video explores Niccolò Machiavelli's controversial perspective on kindness in the political sphere. It analyzes how the Renaissance philosopher warned that excessive kindness can become a strategic weakness, especially for a ruler. The content examines the paradoxes that arise when good intentions produce disastrous results, and how moral naiveté can be manipulated by more pragmatic actors. Through historical and contemporary examples, the video illustrates why Machiavelli believed that an effective leader must be willing to act shrewdly and, at times, set aside conventional kindness to preserve political order and protect their citizens. A profound reflection on political realism and the ethical limits of power.