Rhetoric and Power: The Dark Side of Persuasion
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The MACH-IV Test

“ [R]ecent studies confirm that Machiavellians have a rather lax attitude towards ethical principles, and they feel less bound by moral standards than 'ordinary people'. ... They constantly attribute negative traits to people, assuming they are hypocrites, liars and malevolent beings. “ (Machiavellianism: The Psychology of Manipulation Tamás Bereczkei, p. 8, 9) I cribbed this test from Bereczkei, but it comes originally from Richard Christie and Florence Geis Studies in Machiavellianism, 1970.

If you fill the test out and hit submit, it will add your scores and give you “an assessment“. Obviously in this context the assessment is just for fun. It has no validity.

On a scale of 1 = completely disagree to 7 = completely agree, rate each of the following.

1 Never tell anyone the real reason you did something unless it is useful to do so.

Disagree Agree


2 The best way to handle people is to tell them what they want to hear.

Disagree Agree


3 One should take action only when sure it is morally right.

Disagree Agree


4 Most people are basically good and kind.

Disagree Agree


5 It is safest to assume that all people have a vicious streak, and it will come out when they are given a chance.

Disagree Agree


6 Honesty is the best policy in all cases.

Disagree Agree


7 There is no excuse for lying to someone else.

Disagree Agree


9 All in all, it is better to be humble and honest than to be important and dishonest.

Disagree Agree


10 When you ask someone to do something for you, it is best to give the real reasons for wanting it done rather than giving reasons which carry more weight.

Disagree Agree


11 Most people who get ahead in the world lead clean, moral lives.

Disagree Agree


12 Anyone who completely trusts anyone else is asking for trouble.

Disagree Agree


13 The biggest difference between most criminals and other people is that the criminals are stupid enough to get caught.

Disagree Agree


14 Most men are brave.

Disagree Agree


15 It is wise to flatter important people.

Disagree Agree


16 It is possible to be good in all respects.

Disagree Agree


17 Barnum was wrong when he said that there’s a sucker born every minute.

Disagree Agree


18 It is hard to get ahead without cutting corners here and there.

Disagree Agree


19 People suffering from incurable diseases should have the choice of being put painlessly to death.

Disagree Agree


20 Most men forget more easily the death of their father than the loss of their property.

Disagree Agree