# Machiavel — The Theory of Moral Sentiments character guide

> Machiavel in The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0067-iv-of-licentious-systems

## Who they are

Italian political philosopher referenced on self-interest and virtue.

## Relationships

### [Zeno](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/characters/zeno)

_rivalry_

Machiavelli's pragmatic politics oppose Zeno's idealistic Stoic virtue.

## In the story

### [VI: In What Cases the Sense of Duty Ought to Be the Sole Principle of Our Conduct; and in What Cases It Ought to Concur with Other Motives](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/vi-in-what-cases-the-sense-of-duty-ought-to-be-the-sole-principle-of-our-conduct-and-in-what-cases-it-ought-to-concur-with-other-motives)

Referenced implicitly in the discussion of heroes and conquerors whose ambition dazzles the imagination even when unjust.

### [Section I: Of the Character of the Individual, So Far as It Affects His Own Happiness; or of Prudence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/section-i-of-the-character-of-the-individual-so-far-as-it-affects-his-own-happiness-or-of-prudence)

Noted as a resident minister at Caesar Borgia's court who coolly described the murder of the princes, showing no indignation.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/characters/machiavel
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/characters