Power, People, and Balance: Machiavelli Meets Cree Tradition, Two Worldviews on Power

“The one who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived.”

Instead of starting with ideals, Machiavelli starts with the true core of human nature. He sees people for who they are, moulded by their changing circumstances, curiosity, fear, and self-interest. This is the first principle of influence. A ruler who understands these darker patterns can predict men’s actions, read them with cold proficiency, and manipulate their motivations to maintain the stability of the power structure.

However, the prince is embracing a deadly falsehood if he expects virtue, thankfulness, or unwavering loyalty. Power belongs to the person who acknowledges that people are fickle and bases every decision, plans, and security-related actions on this reality.

However, a traditional indigenous Cree may concur that Machiavelli’s caution about foolish confidence has a lesson of its own: leaders need to be clear-sighted, discerning, and aware that people can be influenced by fear or greed.

However, a leader should be honest, patience, and example to bring people back into equilibrium with their responsibilities to the land, the ancestors, the community, and each other, in contrast to Machiavelli’s call for a ruler to manipulate these flaws.

The ability to maintain harmony without being swayed by ambition, ladder-climbing, backstabbing, fear, or power is the real test of leadership.