Political opportunism Political opportunism Political opportunism refers to the attempt to maintain political support, or increase political influence, in a way which disregards relevant ethical or political principles. The political philosophy of Niccolò Machiavelli as described in "The Prince" is often regarded as a classic manual of opportunist scheming, and indeed a "Machiavellian" is nowadays defined as "a cunning, amoral, and opportunist person, especially a politician". Political opportunism is interpreted in different ways, but usually refers to one or more of the following: Typically, opportunist political behavior is criticized for being short-sighted or narrow-minded. That is, in the urge to make short-term
The Golden Ass (Machiavelli) Gryllus of Plutarch's "Moralia", does not want to be changed back and condemns human greed, cruelty and conceit. The Golden Ass (Machiavelli) L'asino (also called L'asino d'oro; English: The Golden Ass) was an unfinished satirical poem of eight chapters written by the Italian political scientist and writer Niccolò Machiavelli in 1517. A modernized version of Apuleius' "The Golden Ass" (rather than a translation of it), it is written in terza rima. It also concerns the theme of metamorphosis, and contains grotesque and allegorical episodes. In the poem, the author meets a beautiful herdswoman surrounded by Circe's herd of beasts (Canto