Ada Palmer – Machiavelli is the most misunderstood thinker of all time

· Dwarkesh Patel · June 16, 2026, 5:48 p.m.
Summary
Ada Palmer argues that Machiavelli is often misinterpreted in modern discourse. Despite his controversial political philosophy, he sought to advise rulers for effective governance, even under oppressive regimes. This post reflects on the complexity of his ideas and their relevance today.
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