Niccolò Machiavelli vs Thomas Hobbes on the 12 Axes
Niccolò Machiavelli and Thomas Hobbes are the two best-known realist writers on political power, each shaped by upheaval at home. Both lean toward a Strong leader, Order, Central power and Strength, with Hobbes leaning further on Authority, Security and Structure.
All 12 axes, side by side
| Axis | Niccolò Machiavelli | Thomas Hobbes | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| OwnershipPublic to Private | No record | +10 | - |
| MarketsPlanned to Free | No record | No record | - |
| WelfareShared to Self-reliant | No record | -20 | - |
| AuthorityDemocratic to Strong leader | +40 | +85 | 45 |
| SecurityLiberty to Order | +60 | +80 | 20 |
| StructureLocal to Central | +40 | +80 | 40 |
| MoralityProgressive to Traditional | +10 | +20 | 10 |
| ReligionSecular to Religious | -10 | +10 | 20 |
| TechnologyEmbrace to Caution | No record | No record | - |
| CultureMulticultural to National identity | +40 | No record | - |
| TradeGlobal to Protected | No record | No record | - |
| Foreign policyCooperation to Strength | +75 | +50 | 25 |
Scores run from -100 to +100 and come from each profile's documented positions. Closeness compares only the axes both have on record. It measures similar positions, not endorsement. How profiles work
Closer to Niccolò Machiavelli or Thomas Hobbes?
Take the 12 Axes test and see your match with both, axis by axis.
Take the testQuestions
How similar are Niccolò Machiavelli and Thomas Hobbes?
On the 6 axes where both have a documented position, their profiles are 85% close on the 12 Axes scale. They differ most on Authority, Structure.
Who is more economically left-wing, Niccolò Machiavelli or Thomas Hobbes?
Thomas Hobbes sits further toward the collective end of the Economy family (ownership, markets and welfare), by 5 points on average.
Who favours more personal liberty, Niccolò Machiavelli or Thomas Hobbes?
On the State family (authority, security and structure), Niccolò Machiavelli leans further toward liberty and checks on power, by 35 points on average.
