Chapter 18: Personal Appearance

In chapter XVIII ‘In what manner princes should keep their faith’ Machiavelli says a.o. things that to have and to practice all qualities constantly is pernicious, while appearing to have them is useful. You should seem to be merciful, faithful, humane, religious, and upright, and should even be so in reality; but you must be able to change to the opposite, when occasion requires it… Men judge more by the eye than by the hand. Everybody sees what you seem to be, but few really feel what you are; and these few dare not oppose the opinion of the many, for the actions of all men, and especially those of princes, are judged by the result.

To what extent does Machiavelli’s thought’s apply to the roles and responsibilities of modern leaders from different countries, cultures and trades? How important is personal appearance and charisma for a modern leader?

Discover The Mind of a Leader…

Participants:
  Franz Beckenbauer
  Philip Kotler
  Katie Ford
  Michael S. Dukakis
  Steven Hilton
  Nicolas Winding Refn
  Bengt Baron
  Edward Ashbee
  Dr. Ulrich Bez
  Lars Håkanson
  Tony Visconti
  Richard Valdemar