Giles says to Xander in 2.12 Bad Eggs:
“I suppose there is a sort of Machiavellian ingenuity to your transgression.”
He’s referring to Renaissance philosopher Nicolo Machiavelli (1469-1527) whose most famous work was The Prince (1515). In it, he says that to remain in power and be truly effective, a ruler must reject traditional morality and use his power ruthlessly. The term “Machiavellian” therefore means to achieve goals by whatever means necessary. In 6.15 As You Were, Todd asks Buffy:
“You know Machiavelli, right?”
In 5.10 Soul Purpose, Gunn says of an evil warlock:
“We open a can of Machiavelli on his ass.”
Related episodes: 2.12 Bad Eggs, 5.10 Soul Purpose, 6.15 As You Were
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