How Machiavellian was Paulie Walnuts? Machiavellian Monday

In this Machiavellian Monday, we will first take a brief look at Paulie's personality in general, as well as some of his quirks and the impact they could have on his perception, before moving on to how they could affect his leadership potential from a Machiavellian standpoint. Along the way, we will see how he acted more like the people than the prince on occasion, how he was probably underutilized by Tony and how in his famous attempt to parallel Machiavelli and Sun Tzu, the quote he referenced was one of the worst he could have chosen.

[@GallyG]

he killed 16 machiavellians

[@dr3dg352]

His house looked like shit.

[@robertriley1569]

@@dr3dg352 his house dident have the makeings of a varsity athlete

[@mattmolloy636]

The guy was an interior governor…

[@dr3dg352]

@@mattmolloy636 his palace looked like shit

[@owdawg8625]

*macciabellians heh heh heh

[@brandonhuynh4528]

He followed the teachings of Sun Tuh Zoo: The Chinese Prince Matchabelli

[@thespideycinemaclub3115]

😂😂😂

[@michaelharrison3602]

Paulie wasn't machiavellian he couldn't think or plan ahead he just acted on his immediate instincts

[@michaelharrison3602]

Paulie believed there were flying saucers over east Rutherford not a good thing for a boss or number two

[@michaelharrison3602]

If Paulie had ever become boss the commission would have sanctioned a hit on him to prevent war between the families

[@russell2890]

Put some respect. The man is the 2006 Honoree for Excellence in Recycling.

[@CollaredConsulting]

And a Chin-Ups Cup winner

[@mcsquilliams7044]

​@@CollaredConsulting tree weeks in a row

[@rsmith7994]

Fckin’ beautiful definition, too!

[@enak413]

Paulie may have given information to Johnny Sack from time to time ... but he never let out the secret about how good it is to "mix da' ketchup packets together wit da' relish packets." That was Machiavellian right there

[@davethomas543]

Paulie was always my favorite character. I still love when he returns and just sits and watches TV with his ant. Even knowing she wasn't his ma , he couldn't help but be a mommas boy in the end.

[@playbackproductions1]

Me too. I wish they did more with him

[@alishakhirpal9239]

I agree he loved her…,

[@UATU.]

Great video! I think Paulie is more badger/weasel than lion. I like his character, but I see his biggest qualities are being craven to superiors and an extremely insecure bully. He tries hard to coerce and manipulate, but fails hard and falls back on vengeful, petty violence. He is a knot of emotional sensitivity packaged in jailhouse moral code (and he is bad at that too). He is about a 3/10 on the machiavellian scale for me.

[@cosmicskates7721]

No kidding how he flipped out on Nucci when he discovered his bio mom truth...the scene when he pulls up erratically in his car @ Green Grove, folks are dismounting a charter bus and one frail nice looking man shudders a little bit and I wna say he's even using a cane lol poor thing i mean, I'm sure he didn't experience that a whole lot lol

[@ayejay2140]

Lol the funny thing the actor Tony sirrico was the only main character with a real organized crime background

[@lordofpain3476]

Pauly is a blunt object , who is better when kept close than left to his own devices .

[@pearcefitzpatrickodonovan480]

Paulies worst trait Is never taken any responsibility but at the same time it's hilarious because he's like a child

[@katana2k]

What do you mean? There was the time he killed the wrong phil leotardo. He took full responsibility, but at the same time, he didnt do nothin

[@pearcefitzpatrickodonovan480]

@@katana2k haha that is exactly the type of behaviour 🤣

[@mrrodriguezHLP]

That and his ability to annoy the boss which makes him get overlooked for promotion. He's also small-minded to the point he'd rather get in an argument over a couple of thousand dollars than think ahead and get involved or plan a million dollar scheme like the Esplanade. His lack of empathy makes him unsympathetic to people with families and kids, which is an expected thing to have for a mobster. Paulie is a rarity in the mafia, not having a wife or kids, and that puts him on an island professionally. He's seen as a man without a future.

[@Bklyn93]

@@mrrodriguezHLP He’s also seen as a man living outside of their code; in a word, weird. Their whole thing is “family, family, family.” What kinda fuckin guy - in their world - doesn’t marry a nice girl, settle down? Look at the two guys viewed least seriously on the show: Junior and Paulie. What do they have in common? They never got married. Have to think their choice to stay single greatly lessened their respect.

[@jordanhicks5131]

@@Bklyn93 like they said in the Departed about married guys, "at least someone can stand the guy"

[@katana2k]

I feel like Paulie was the one stuck in purgatory. Hes unable or afraid to move up or out of his position

[@dr3dg352]

6 seasons is nothing in etoynity time!

[@ned5231]

Nah I reckon it was Paulie that ended up taking out Tony at the end after getting the go ahead from the commission, he seems like the sort of guy New York would have liked having in charge of the new jersey crew, someone who's well liked but feared at the same time, respects tradition, a decent earner but not smart enough to conspire against them and most importantly he seeks New York's approval and it would be easy for them to control him by stroking his ego

[@maplebear6527]

@@ned5231 As much as i hate this theory i have to say it's always in the back of my mind. The look Paulie gives Tony at their last visit on the empty street in front of Satrieles.

[@ZackZ-mg9uq]

He wanted to be a Street guy, not a suit and tie type a guy

[@bobcosmic]

I’m in the building to listen to the analysis on Paulie Walnuts ! 😃

[@bullywhispers9544]

Hope you enjoy!

[@lambrosk3790]

Same. Guessing not much. Lol

[@bobcosmic]

@@bullywhispers9544 Without a doubt !

[@RW77777777]

his greatest trick was turning into a building always mindful never to get his interior, decorated

[@HelixLive]

Paulie ain't Machiavellian, he's more like that chinese general, Sun Tuh Zoo.

[@jh6025]

More sweet time on the street. Thank you for this series, it's wonderful!

[@Adamas7]

Absolute gem of a channel. Thank for your work. This is a great way to learn true Machiavellian principles. Keep it up!

[@midasapprentice8670]

This was an excellent breakdown. I can't wait to hear the others.

[@madmanmikkey8470]

My favorite character by far the facial expressions and I can’t take him seriously when he’s killing either too much of a likable funny character

[@criticalmass527]

Up in da club

[@talbertobarbossa75]

Where you tripping for the summer, homie?

[@utewbd]

Thanks for reminding me to go watch that video of Sopranos clips where all the background noise has been replaced with Up in da club

[@alexruss2002]

This is great. Pls keep on going with Machiavellian monday

[@aaronkolatch5211]

Thank you so much for doing this video!

[@djcastano1180]

How much more betrayal can I take?! I feel like i been stabbed in the heart!

[@ultimatescapebro]

Been waiting a long time for this video and my friend you did not disappoint! :)

[@montecarlo4294]

The actor who played the young version of Paulie in The Many Saints of Newark had the character down

[@gnolan4281]

The summation at the end stopped me from disagreeing what was said about Paulie. The way Johnny Sack manipulated him into believing that New York might get rid of Tony and put him in as boss and that Carmine asks about him always made me feel that Paulie dumb. He strangled to death his "mother's" old neighborhood friend and a woman he'd known since childhood. He did it just because he was getting a reputation of somebody who was not an "earner". To me he was the most crudely selfish and brutal of the inner circle.

[@JrLv38944]

man i’ve been waiting for this one for too long thanks ! 😂

[@fram3byfram319]

Let’s take a moment to thank Tony Sirocco for his unreal portrayal of a ruthless mobster. R.I.P

[@warandconquest6522]

Paulie would be the perfect “judge”. The man appointed by the prince to hand out justice. With Paulie’s tendency to overreact, Tony could swoop in and play the hero to the people who had their feathers ruffled and that would go a long way to getting rid of Tony’s rep for only caring about himself

[@tedwojtasik8781]

Paulie was a mob version of the Beast Rabban in Dune. Not to bright but one hell of a blunt instrument to be used for a greater, long-term goal. That is where Tony S screwed up bigtime as he should have utilized Paulie as a shield and then either had Sil or another more even keeled higher-up swoop in with a touch of mercy, or he himself play that part.

[@bcb5696]

@@tedwojtasik8781 you just reworded his comment lol

[@tedwojtasik8781]

@@bcb5696 lol, what, are you the originality of content police? Go blow a hobo. Dope. lol.

[@T-NUGGZ]

You’re just tellin him how he’s being fucking perceived!

[@mikegleed5842]

😂👈

[@zh2266]

I fucking love that scene. Its scenes like that (context included) is why I try get my friends to watch this but apparently it's "just too dated" smh

[@T-NUGGZ]

@@zh2266 va fangool! it’s their loss…that show is timeless. The dialogue is what carries the show, much more so than the plot. I guess that’s why it’s so ridiculously quotable.

[@adolfhitler3238]

Interesting video. Glad to watch. Quick sub easy

[@theALMIGHTY987]

Beansie summed Paulie up in season 6, all he has is his reputation &"the family". It was always a/b the $ for him & Tony. Remember when knocked Gary out the🌲, first thing he did was hit his pockets. I don't believe he nor Tony embody the words of the prince!

[@louistracy6964]

Good work, lotta fun.

[@ManahManah77]

I'd always thought that it was odd that Christopher reacted with anger to Paulie trying to save his life with the whole "He must've known the gun was empty" line. I thought maybe I misunderstood the context of what Paulie was saying. I guess that either Christopher was mad because he thought they weren't taking him seriously as a threat (aka. they think he wasn't really going to do it) or it was the fact that he was blind stinking drunk. Although, it makes Tony B.'s "listen to someone else" line, which I thought referred to Paulie, seem odd now.

[@illegalewahrheiten2911]

Christopher's manhood has been attacked. On top of that he's blinding drunk. He knows he is going to be killed, but at least he will go out like a man. He's not going to beg for his life. When Paulie tries to defend his friend by saying he wasn't really trying to kill Tony, Christopher can only take it as an attack on his sincerity. Paulie questioning his balls, the guy who sniffed his girlfriend's panties, at this pivotal moment in his life where he is about to die. He's not having none of that.

[@theboyscanswim5619]

That was hilarious. Great video! I love Paulie

[@frankarevalo7020]

“He-he”

[@utewbd]

Heh heh

[@jaynova8332]

One of the final episodes Paulie brings s box barber scissors to Satriales. Which is what the old woman he killed husband sold. Paulie is the realest gangster on the show

[@coolpeople4287]

Yes he's a gangsta MF. But his emotions are out of control. Sil is the most and best gangster.

[@deforestbland3015]

He came in with the box of scissors because he was at buchie’s barber shop when the were discussing the hits on the sopranos administration…. Remember they specificly says Pauline’s was not a target

[@bengaliinplatforms1268]

He was no Sunta Zoo

[@laurenpeterson9510]

Buffalo mozzarella !? Lol

[@JS-wp4gs]

You know what they say - if it smells real cheesy she must be sleazy

[@triplebeam23]

my favorite character

[@midasapprentice8670]

"He does have the makings of a varsity lion..." Funny 🤣 Very Funny!!!

[@STONESGAM]

I don't know that he was so Machiavellian but there is probably a reason he survived by the end of the show. He was never really a big enough player to be seen as a true threat to anybody. He was a solid earner and had no problem doing hits. But he was always seen as more of a soldier type guy even when he was a Captain and had his own crew. He was never truly going to be in Tony's inner circle and administration. New York did not see him as part of Management either during the war with New York when his name was brought up and it probably saved his life. He gabbed too much but was smart to deny telling Johnny Sack about Ralph's Ginny Sack joke. That would of gotten him killed in the final season.

[@CaptainTrips560]

Tony was the unofficial leader of Paulie’s crew

[@marcochang3141]

Always pushed the envelope sept when it came to kicking up

[@TmacIsTheBoss]

Paulie was a real fan of Prince Matchabelly and Santa Zoo

[@Moltisantiproductions]

Sun tazoo

[@ChrisPBacon-zv4et]

Waddaya hear waddaya say?🤟

[@russsnyder2026]

Here for the sun tzu lines

[@sithsoldier98]

OOOOOOOHHHHH!!!!!

[@OldBiker54]

Great Writing.Casting.and Great Acting...#1 Sopranos...

[@tomdanks3427]

Its like a weight loss ad before and way before

[@AnthonyMonaghan]

Machiavelli with gravy...Pauli's favourite dish from the old country.

[@Crottykid_]

Would you consider adding subtitles for the quotes you're using? I liked the video but comprehension might be better with another visual aid. Thanks!

[@wolf7el356]

Paulie definitely gave Tony up to NY at the end & sided with Little Carmine. After Tony took out Phil I fully 100% believe Little Carmine took over the Lupertazzi family with Butchie as his Underboss & gave Patsy the nod to be skipper. Little Carmine got his revenge for Tony killing his mentor & friend Rusty Milio.

[@chaddy2409]

I thought little Carmine left the life more or less and Butchie would be Boss of the Lupertazzis

[@dedricklane4899]

@@chaddy2409Little Carmine wasn’t the best in social situations but he knew how to read people, pull strings and stay under the radar.

[@kandylandtarot142]

RIP Tony 🙏🏾 day one of 6,000 years 🕒

[@credulousmaister5530]

I don't what you think, but I know Paulie is as Machiavellian as Sun Tazu. That's right, Sun Tazu.

[@CharliRay]

Paulie is everyone’s uncle you’re warned about that grew up in the tri-state area 😂😂

[@augustoferre9707]

What about a video of How macchiavelian Butch DeConcini was??

[@alecblatt9154]

Paulie always reminded me more of Sun Tazoo, although he WAS the Chinese Prince Matchabelli

[@RUdigitized]

He wasn’t Machiavellian. He learned the art of war from Soon Ta Zoo Edit: ah you included that spoke too soon

[@frankmurphy7234]

I've been fucking waiting

[@kendrickallen7952]

I will hold on to this forever, but Tony was a dead man as soon as he took Paulie on the boat ride. Paulie was biding his time to strike first after that.

[@cosmicskates7721]

Agro @ss Tony remember too how he flung that beer bottle with hella inflection lol not like I am able to identify w pulling hissyfit immature cheap shots like that 🤣 temper temper

[@mysteryjunkie9808]

You should make a video exploring the Supernatural aspects of Sopranos show. I mean there are ghosts, Crows that are harbingers of doom, Chris message about 3 o’clock from Hell, The Virgin Mary even shows up. There’s a lot of material people forget the Sopranos world is very paranormal

[@dinozulic1624]

You missed a chance to name this episode Maciabellian monday :D

[@snap8626]

eeeey tone, how dat flammable delousing agent stay in that chamber wit doors made of wood and open lighting fixtures?

[@whitecloak11]

He hung a picture of tony he had made into a general chrissy would have pissed on the picture and with no wife or kids the feds would have never flipped pauly beansie was dead on when he said the guys and his reputation are all he has.

[@davefloyd9443]

Paulie backed himself when things got violent. Him, Tony B and Furio were Tony's best soldiers. Sil was his muse.

[@MarceloRomero360]

Remember Pearl Harbor!!☝

[@mrrodriguezHLP]

Paulie is the last of the Mohicans after Tony gets whacked, and it's fair to assume that he and Patsy had something to do with it. They can hash it out with New York, who gets to be Boss of the Ashes that was the DiMeo family. He's also enough of a smalltime street hood, that the Feds never bother to make a case against him, but you can't be too sure about Patsy.

[@5280PolotheKid]

Paulie was a big fish to civilians but to wiseguys he wasn’t much … nuff said

[@cosmicskates7721]

You got that right! * Paul, Sal Vitro's son's voice lol I will never let Paulie live that down 😆 that kid str8 up ignored the eff outta him 💋 if he wasn't so young I would wish he was my lover lol

[@robyeone7976]

What did Paulie seeing The Virgin Mary mean?

[@JA-xp7bp]

"Santa Tzu the Chinese prince Machiavell"

[@malmonti]

Waddaya heea waddaya say

[@RepublicStuds]

🥺

[@slayskool1964]

He's the only one on the show that was a real criminal.

[@allaware5014]

The ginny sack joke.

[@dinisnascimento4929]

You ever like nothing good will ever happen to you?

[@dr3dg352]

Yeah, and nothing ever did.

[@Anon-yt4bq]

Why the renaming?

[@faisalkamal4319]

hbo is coming out with copyright strikes very hard borko ran for the telenovelas

[@JohnSmith-jr7cp]

Paulie was more of sun ta zoo kinda guy anyway. RIP Tony Sirico

[@Cbart23]

Those parkerhouse rolls, they belonged to his maa.

[@keithmorgan742]

Cool video. Paulie was a nitwit with a temper.

[@JohnDoe-jn4ex]

Pauly Walnuts: best nickname ever.

[@victordomingoakabigfuentes9646]

Paulie was my favorite character on The Sopranos…but he NEVER had the makings of…NVM…

[@chandellrichardson4106]

Paulie is the only one to get rid of all his enemies down to the old lady he secretly started the beef with NY and got Tony sil and Bobby hit only 4 ppl knew Tony was gonna hit phil Bobby Silvio Paulie and Tony rewatch the last season and u will see it

[@samuela.2747]

Don't you mean Matchiabelleean

[@darthbrooks4933]

Who ya been talkin’ to?!

[@3ggh3ad]

this video.. how much more betrayal can he take?!?

[@Don_Salieri1899]

Who tf is whispers and why are we bullying him

[@littlekingtrashmouth9219]

Not the whispers they blew up, the other one

[@faisalkamal4319]

we all know what he did

[@DrJ-hx7wv]

And with all those ghouls following him around...

[@llopnikgaharrison3136]

I actually found Paulie to be more of a gimmick. Like his overboard actions. Smothering the old lady and shooting the major d. Who does that? Really

[@mikep9312]

Next: How Machiavellian were Paulies nuts?

[@kirandarai8534]

Let me tell you one or tree things

[@leaderofthebunch-deadbeat7716]

*How Machiabellian

[@dakapo8985]

Sometimes i get the feeling that you have never read The Prince. And is talking about "Machavelinism" as a pop-cultural thing. Wait, sorry. Not sometimes, everytime.

[@urbanentertainmentgodz]

Paulie was old tho

[@24tommyst]

I don't think he's very Machiavellian--he's not smart enough. He's just an opportunist.

[@contemposuits1983]

I agree completely. A pure opportunist. Paulie doesn't have the intelligence and foresight to climb up the ladder. He can only take advantage of things that fall into his lap. He is someone who learns how to do one thing and one thing only and stays with it.

[@recruitmentch]

Can you imagine if Paulie found out that Russ the American GI aka respected diplomat was his fawwtha? He would've become unbearable.

[@TooLooze]

Heh heh

[@PanikGrafik]

0%, called it before I watched the video

[@katana2k]

What kind of shit name is Bully Whispers?

[@fortunateson7852]

Paulies character was complex. Typical life long bachelor. Never had kids so never learned patience. Was a germ a phobe. Old school gangster. Done some time but not a lot. What I would call an opportunist. A survivor with rat cunning. I don’t think there was anything deep about his character.

[@FiaAntzz]

And you thought that was funny?

[@Shadowmanchronicles]

He wasn't. He was dumb muscle that survived up to the 2000s

[@juliusevola2801]

Machiavelli is very misinterpreted

[@AK-hi7mg]

I have the same feeling but I have no knowledge on the topic at all . How is he misinterpreted ? ( I have that feeling because everyone and their mom is talking highly about Machiavelli and I have never heard any critique , in these cases something is always being overlooked by most people )

[@dewilew2137]

@@AK-hi7mg do a quick google.

[@shutup2751]

not very, paulie was a big mouth and way too old school

[@kevinmeserole7345]

Every video Good Fortune is like a woman Good Fortune is like a woman Good Fortune is like a woman Good Fortune is like a woman Good Fortune is like a woman Good Fortune is like a woman Good Fortune is like a woman good fortunate like a woman