Artists & Writers · Renaissance & Early Modern
Niccolò Machiavelli’s Last Words
“I desire to go to Hell and not to Heaven. In Hell I shall enjoy the company of popes, kings and princes.”— Niccolò Machiavelli, June 21, 1527
Who Was Niccolò Machiavelli?
Niccolò Machiavelli was an Italian Renaissance political philosopher best known for The Prince, which shocked readers with its frank advocacy for political cunning over morality.
The Final Moments
Machiavelli reportedly spoke these words on his deathbed, rejecting religious comfort with characteristic dark wit.
Are These Words Verified?
This quote is widely repeated but appears to originate from later legend rather than contemporary documentation. No reliable 16th-century source records these words, and they may have been invented to fit his reputation.
Sources
- biography Various Renaissance biographies
- biography Machiavelli: A Biography by Miles Unger
Legacy
Machiavellian entered the language as a term for cunning political manipulation. The Prince remains essential political science reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Niccolò Machiavelli’s last words?
“I desire to go to Hell and not to Heaven. In Hell I shall enjoy the company of popes, kings and princes.”
How did Niccolò Machiavelli die?
Niccolò Machiavelli died on June 21, 1527 at the age of 58. Cause of death: Illness.
Were Niccolò Machiavelli’s last words documented?
This quote is widely repeated but appears to originate from later legend rather than contemporary documentation. No reliable 16th-century source records these words, and they may have been invented to fit his reputation.
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