Machiavellianism refers to the view that one should systematically seize every advantage for oneself or the group one leads without regard to the rights or claims of other individuals or groups. The Machiavellian is scornful of claims of conscience or morality and is restrained only by the need to be careful about breaking laws and violating mores, lest one get caught, not by any belief that a profitable action can really be wrong. In the business world, the Machiavellian is prepared, when possible, to cook the books, advertise falsely, cut corners on product quality, sell pirated goods, cheat employees, or damage the environment. In politics, the quest for every advantage may lead the Machiavellian to use military force when deception and cunningness are not sufficient, ...