Just as “Sallust's Theorem” did not originate in Sallust's history, but can be seen wherever there are political associations, Machiavellism “existed before Machiavelli, and is as old as politics itself.” Nevertheless, for reasons that become apparent to any reader of The Prince, Machiavelli's name became synonymous with immoral political action very quickly. A few years after his death, the term reason of state made a reluctant appearance on the political stage. From the beginning, it was used to refer to political considerations that lie outside the bounds of ordinary circumstances, especially those foreseen and addressed by the law. The relationship of the term reason of state to Machiavellism is a complicated one, and the date of birth of the former only adds to the complication. Reason of state became popular at the same time that reaction – mostly, but not exclusively, negative – to Machiavelli's teachings was mounting.