Machiavelli Essay

Machiavelli Essay
Machiavelli
"I would rather be in hell and converse with great minds than live in paradise with that dull rabble."
In his life's writings, Niccolo Machiavelli, sought out the strength of the human character, and wrote
according to his own rules; trying to better the political philosophy of his time. Machiavelli, a
fiercely independent Renaissance man, advocated the prosperity of Italian politics, and wanted Italy
to rise above the rest of the world.
Machiavelli's writings dealt with many issues that had not been attacked in his time, and utilized his
distinct brand of political philosophy to try and change the politics and government that shaped his
era. The Prince, regarded as his most controversial and successful work, spelled...show more
content...
Piero de' Medici died the same year that Machiavelli was born and his son Lorenzo took over where
his father left off (Ridolfi, Roberto p.6).
The next years of Machiavelli's life included many dramatic experiences that altered the way that
he viewed government. The Medici family was overthrown, and the power of the government
changed hands when the French, lead by Louis XII invaded Italy (The Prince p. viii). Through
decisions made by the Church and Pope Julius II, the Medici family came back to restore order
and take up where they left off. It was through these actions that Machiavelli was viewed as unfit
for any type of political position and was forced into exile. The Prince, written in 1513, was started
during this time of expulsion in order to once again become in the good graces of the Medici family.
Unfortunately, that wouldn't happen and he wouldn't return to Florence until 1526, only to die a year
later in 1527.
Throughout Machiavelli's career, he was exposed to a variety of politics; politics of the church, of
the Medici family, and politics to stay alive. He had to leave Florence and retire to his country
home in San Casciano in order to save his life for his conspiring with the Boscoli–Capponi anti
Medicean plot, and recognizing that military (Ruffo–Fiore, Silvia p.v). Machiavelli's intentions were
always in favor of uniting Italy, but his ideas and actions weren't always seen in that light.
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Machiavelli's Ideas
More than anything else we've read this year, Machiavelli is extremely difficult for me to respond
to. I find myself agreeing with a lot of his ideas (at least I think I agree with his ideas, his writing
jumbles my head around), and most of my comments come from a place of unwarranted rage.
One complaint I have is that I think he goes back on his word a lot. The thing is, Machiavelli
shoves so much information down your throat every sentence that everything I've read kind of
melds together in a strange sort of limbo. For example, I'm fairly sure he talks about the
importance of being kind and virtuous in the first reading we did, but in the second a lot of it is
about being merciless. Maybe those were supposed to apply to different situations....show more
content...
That means that I mostly put everything in context of American history, which probably isn't
what Machiavelli would want seeing as his whole book is supposed to be on principalities.
Making a connection to some other historical event really helps me out. For example, normally I
would read the line, "...The enemy will as a matter of course burn and pillage the countryside
when he arrives..." and I would've just been really bummed out by it (Machiavelli 37). But, in
Cold War we just watched a documentary on the Vietnam War. And so, for the rest of the passage
I kept drawing parallels between whatever the hell Machiavelli was talking about and the Vietnam
War. When Machiavelli said, "So the subjects will identify themselves even more with their
prince, since now that their houses have already been burned and their lands pillaged in his
defence they will consider that there is a strong bond of obligation on his part," I got really
excited because that's exactly happened in Vietnam after the U.S. firebombed them a million times
(Machiavelli 37). It's comforting to know that Machiavelli isn't just spewing a bunch of terrible
advice and making the reader fall for it. I really like the book and the ideas so far, I just wish that
someone could put it in some kindergarten–level terminology so I could read

Niccolo Machiavelli Essay
Niccolo Machiavelli is a great influence on many poloticians, philosophers, and leaders alike. His
name has also come into our grammer as Machiavellian or Machiavellism meaning a brutal or
realist view of something perhaps not the most moral of methods but it is effective. In Niccolo
Machiavelli's day and age he was one of the few that could read and write literacy was left primarily
to preists and poloticians. He was oviously a very skilled politician and had a knowledge for the art
of war. Today he is remembered as a political philosopher someone who studied polotics enough to
come up with the perfect way to be a prince and inspired other poloticians for many years. Niccolo
Machiavelli was born in a small town just outside of...show more content...
Not until a few years later did Niccolo gain favor with the Medicis and was ordered to compose the
"History of Florence". "The Prince" has inspired many great people since it was made it is the
guide book to success and greatness there for many power seeking people have been attracted to
it. "The Prince" is not a guide to being a moral leader who is caring and forgiving and ultimetly
weak, it is a guide that will get you power and teach you how to maintain it once you acheive it.
Niccolo Machiavelli used brutal yet efficient way to govern and seize power there were two ways
according to Niccolo the first one did not appeal to Niccolo because a common man could not
acheive it, if a prince is born into a family of rulers and recieve power through heredity he can
hold power just by being an idol and being greatly loved by his subjects this of course when you
are greatly loved you can be greatly hated just as fast. The way that appealed to niccolo was
through pure strength a quote from "The Prince" Niccolo's plans after taking over a city state
"When states newly aquired as i said have been accustomed to living freely under their own laws,
there are three ways to hold them securely:

Essay On Niccolo Machiavelli
Niccolo Machiavelli was one of the sixteenth century political philosophers around the world. He
was born at 1468 in Florence, and he received humanities education. Niccolo Machiavelli wrote a
book that name is "The Price" which has had a unique impact on people at that time and until know.
Subsequently, understanding the idea of Machiavelli will help us to understand the ways that the
authoritarians and absolute monarchs try to keeping them from the power by using fear and
violence. He was one of the unique political philosopher du to of having different opinion about the
view of human nature and the ways that prince can take power and maintained it. Niccolo
Machiavelli used human nature and showed that he respects human nature to control...show more
content...
Machiavelli explains the human nature in form that is important for a prince to know. This essay
will highlight the most important ways for becoming a prince, which are the ability of the person,
using trickery and manipulation or even treason, and the support of people and the nobles to reach
the rank of a prince. Machiavelli explains the human nature of a prince among people to be feared
and loved in the same time in order to have the ability to control

machiavelli Essay
The Church accused Niccolo Machiavelli of being Satan for writing his book The Prince.
Machiavelli completed The Prince in 1513. He wrote it as a gift to Lorenzo Medici, called the
Magnificent, ruler of Florence. The political views Machiavelli expressed in his book went against
the theology of the Church, specifically the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes.
Machiavelli wrote to gain control of a principality one must be brutal. (I)f you are a prince in
possession of a newly acquired state and deem it necessary. . . to annihilate those who can or must
attack you. .
. . , you must do so to protect your principality. He gave the example of Duke Valentino's slaying of
his nobles to maintain order, saying if Valentino had not killed his...show more content...
The prince can pledge one thing under certain circumstances; but if those circumstances change, he
is free to change his pledge if the change should benefit his situation. For instance, Pope Alexander
VI, who reigned before Machiavelli wrote The Prince, made promises more persuasively or swore to
them more solemnly and kept so few of them . . . .
Pope Alexander VI also got what he wanted by deceiving others. The Beatitudes say those who
desire righteousness will be filled; those who are pure of heart will see God. Righteousness and
purity do not occur through deception. The ninth of the Ten Commandments says You shall not give
false testimony against your neighbor, meaning do not lie.
Matthew, the first book of the New Testament, says Do no break your oath . . . . The Church had
good reason to disagree with Machiavelli about craftiness. Nobility for princes can be seen as one of
two ways: generous or parsimonious.
If a prince is generous, his generosity usually comes at the expense of his subjects. The prince
would have to tax his people heavily in order to give. This will begin to make him odious to his
subjects and . . . will lose him the respect of everyone.
For a prince to give money, he need not tax his people, rather give what he pillaged and stole while
on various campaigns. If a prince is stingy with the peoples money, he will not tax as much; thus, his
subjects will honor him

The Prince, by Machiavelli Essay
"It is much safer to be feared than loved." This quotation was just a specimen of the harsh and very
practical political annotation of the legendary historian, NiccolГІ Machiavelli – philosopher, patriot,
diplomat, advisor and statesman. He was born as the son of a poor lawyer in 1498, but he never let
boundaries restrict him. He still received an excellent humanist education from the University of
Florence and was soon after appointed as the Second Chancellor of the Republic of Florence.2 His
political importance to Florence would soon give him the opportunity to write what is disputed as
one of the most significant works in history, The Prince. For fourteen years Machiavelli engaged in
a bustle of diplomatic activity on behalf of his...show more content...
NiccolГІ Machiavelli was an activist of analyzing power. He believed firmly in his theories and he
wanted to persuade everyone else of them as well. To comment on the common relationship that
was seen between moral goodness and legitimate authority of those who held power, Machiavelli
said that authority and power were essentially coequal.9 He believed that whomever had power
obtained the right to command; but goodness does not ensure power. This implied that the only
genuine apprehension of the administrative power was the attainment and preservation of powers
which indirectly guided the maintenance of the state. That, to him, should have been the objective
of all leaders. Machiavelli believed that one should do whatever it took, during the given
circumstance, to keep his people in favor of him and to maintain the state. Thus, all leaders should
have both a sly fox and ravenous wolf inside of him prepared to release when necessary.10
Machiavelli believed wicked means were to be used to achieve a virtuous outcome. In his eyes, a
successful ruler was able to balance ethical virtue with harsh, sometimes even merciless
pragmatism.11 If this meant partaking in the most ruthless acts of murder, brutalizing,

Niccolo Machiavelli Essay
Niccolo Machiavelli Around 1513 Niccolo Machiavelli while writing "The Prince" would not be
considered a theologian. When thinking of Machiavelli many people confuse him together with the
names of rulers who have abused his writings. It also seems other people confuse Machiavelli with
the rapper who took his name. Either way people confuse Machiavelli it seems they fail to look at
his true message, bettering the state and the greater good. Machiavelli may seem evil to some but
his political theory properly applied is optimal for founding a state, establishing and then maintaining
order. Machiavelli being a consequentialist believed actions should be judged by their consequences.
Machiavelli because of the way he thought believed...show more content...
When thinking of right and wrong would it not be right to save more even though you have to
hurt some? Machiavelli is not against all that is good. Machiavelli, although thought to be, is not
against religion. Machiavelli believes religion is a great unifier. A fact many have overlooked in
his philosophy. Also it seems there is a hint of belief or acknowledgement in God in his passage
"Although one should not reason about Moses, since he merely executed what God Commanded,
yet he must be praised for the grace that made him worthy of speaking with God. But let us
consider Cyrus and the others who acquired great kingdoms: they were all praiseworthy, and their
actions and institutions, when examined, do not seem to differ from Moses, who had such a
mighty teacher." This quote too could be Machiavelli simply covering his tracks so he does not
seem blasphemous and the punishment that would come with being blasphemous. It is interesting
though why he would even mention Moses when he could have been as easily left out?
Machiavelli believed for a prince to be successful he must found a state that will not need a prince
once he dies. This belief was stretched over The Prince and The Discourses. The question though is
how can a prince make himself obsolete or should he make himself completely obsolete? The
answer is no he can not make himself completely obsolete. A Prince should establish a republic but
still

Essay about Niccolo Machiavelli
According to legend, just before his death, Niccolo Machiavelli told his friends that had remained
faithful to him up until the very end about a dream he had had. In his dream, he had seen a group
of peasants, wretched and decrepit in appearance. He asked them who they were. They replied,
'We are the saintly and the blessed; we are on our way to heaven.' Then he saw a crowd of
formally attired men, aristocratic and grim in appearance, speaking solemnly of important
political matters. Again, he asked them who they were and where they were going. 'We are the
damned of Hell' was their answer. Machiavelli later remarked that he would be far happier in Hell.
This story was from Viroli's Niccolo's Smile ("The Mask and The Face"). The crowd of...show more
content...
There were many new ideas and theories popping up during that era. The cultural revolution was
causing civil unrest throughout Italy. Machiavelli's family was part of Florentine nobility and well
educated, but they were considered middle class financially. Machiavelli loved to read classic
literature, a characteristic of both his parents, and his thinking was influenced by the Medici, Plato,
Aristotle, Socrates, Seneca, and his education at the University of Florence.
Born on May 3, 1469 in Florence, Italy, his father was Bernardo di NiccolГІ Machiavelli and his
mother was Bartolomea di Stefano Nelli, both from noble families. In 1502, at the age of
thirty–three he married Marietta Corsini and proceeded to have four sons and two daughters. He
died on May 22, 1527 in Florence, Italy with a bad reputation from his theories being
misunderstood. His grandson, Giovanni Ricci, was important because he preserved many of
Machiavelli's letters and writings for future generations to read and interpret. Machiavelli had,
overall, a very successful career and accomplished many things as an important political figure in
Italy. He was well renowned and considered the first great politician of his time. He was also the
first politician to apply Aristotle's scientific method of separating morals from facts. But, he was also
accused of plagiarizing theories from others. At the relatively young age of twenty–nine, he secured
the high public office of

Machiavelli Essay
"The term Machiavellian refers to someone who is unscrupulous, cunning, cynical, and
unprincipled"(Goods 1998). Many scholars agree that this particular adjective would have
dismayed Niccolo Machiavelli, the man from whom the term is derived. In reality he has been
attributed as being one of the brightest lights of the Italian Renaissance through his works as not only
a writer, but also as an influential philosopher of history and political thought. His most famous work
The Prince has been misunderstood due to the motives discussed and the blatantly honest language
used. Many of his critics have condemned him for his pessimistic outlook of man as a whole and
in doing so try to negate the bulk of his work. Yet even after over 470...show more content...
In fact, Machiavelli used various early diplomatic missions as the basis for a short guideline he sent
to the Florentine diplomat of Spain named Raffaelo Girolami. In this letter Machiavelli discussed
not only what he had done but also how he could have improved (Gilbert 1961, 209). This letter was
meant not only as advice for a particular situation but also as a learning aid to apply to all situations.
We see from this and other letters like it that Machiavelli not only learned the theory behind politics
but also continually refined his skill with each new challenge.
Machiavelli demonstrated a great knowledge and insight regarding politics through his writings but
more importantly he displayed a man who went through great effort to pay attention to details.
Nowhere else is this fact more evident than in the advice and instructions that he imparted to less
experienced government officials. His own advice states to "...write to those with whom you do
business so clearly that when they have a letter of yours they may think they are there–in such detail
it describes the thing to them"(Gilbert 1961, 123). Not only does this apply to his beliefs in
documentation, but also encourages them to pay close attention to details in order to supplement
those writings. This type of statement was far from uncommon, in a large quantity of his letters to
less experienced diplomats he advised them to "'go to the extreme of writing too much rather that too
little" (Gilbert

Machiavelli's Argument Essay
As with all philosophers of his time, Machiavelli was heavily inspired by Plato and other greek
philosophers. However, while he may have been influenced by Plato, Machiavelli does not agree
with many of Plato's principles and beliefs. In short Machiavelli believed that leaders should act in
ways that were best for the state or government, while Plato, on the other hand, had a contrasting
belief. Plato philosophized that people should lead with moral values. This is better explained by
Machiavelli arguing that government's only purpose was to protect its citizens and make war when
necessary. With this belief the government may do whatever it wishes to keep order. Plato, however,
believes that governments and leaders should govern by serving

Machiavelli: Realism over Idealism Essay
Luke Pelagio Due 5/27/2011 Period 4 Machiavelli: Realism Over Idealism Nicolo Machiavelli is
known as being an archetypical realist; in other words, he was someone who originated the idea
that we should not try to figure out how people should be, but rather accept and deal with the
world as it literally is. Unlike Machiavelli, Plato posited an idealist view of a philosopher king
reigning through virtue. To Machiavelli, this is an extremely dangerous delusion for it ignores what
he considers the reality of the human condition: humans are brutal, selfish, and fickle (Machiavelli
and Power Politics). You don't need a philosopher king to secure off enemies and reinforce order
/stability; on the other hand, you need a prince or a leader...show more content...
A prince must learn not to be limited to morality when unavoidable; a leader has to be able to use
lies, force and deception if required in the world. Whether it is better to be feared or loved clearly
addresses the reason for this. You can't trust people, for they will turn on you. It is inevitable.
Human nature means that doing what you must do at all costs according to any moral code
simply puts you at a disadvantage. In addition, humans are generally under agreement to throw
out such moral concerns if it is to their advantage. "Men have less scruple in offending one who is
beloved than one who is feared, for love is preserved by the link of obligation which, owing to the
baseness of men, is broken at every opportunity for their advantage; but fear preserves you by a
dread of punishment which never fails," (Machiavelli, The Prince). This quote perfectly
demonstrates Machiavellian realism. First, it is a very opposing and adverse view on human
nature. Second, it is realistic and logical. If, by any chance, you are a prince or a leader, and you
do not understand the atrocious inherent in 2 men, you will fail. Those who are most ruthless will
have power; this is just reality. "For my part I consider that it is better to be adventurous than
cautious, because fortune is a woman, and if you wish to keep her under it is necessary to beat and
ill–use her; and it is seen that she allows herself to be mastered by the adventurous

Biography of Niccolo Machiavelli Essay
Biography of Niccolo Machiavelli Machiavelli was born in 1469, into an Italy, which was
probably less feudal than any other European country at that time. Europe at this time was in a state
of political upheaval. The Church's power was in decline, losing its power as unifying government,
Spain and France were pushing their way in Italy, and Italy itself was a melange of bickering
city–states. This climate of political uncertainty greatly affected Machiavelli's political theories.
Machiavelli began his political career at the age of twenty–five. However, he did not achieve
recognition until 1498 when he obtained a prestigious appointment to become secretary to the
Council of Ten, An executive...show more content...
He had a pessimistic view of men, describing them as wicked, fickle and selfish; "They shun danger
and are greedy for profit; while you treat them well, they are yours. They would shed their blood for
you Гўв‚¬В¦ but when you are in danger they turn against you believing that all men really wanted
was power, money and glory". [Machiavelli, reprinted 1975, p.44.] Machiavelli believes that the
state is only created if the people cooperate and work to maintain it. The state is also one of man's
greatest endeavours, and it takes precedence over everything else. It should be one's primary
focus, and maintaining its sovereignty one's most vital concern. The state is founded on the
power of its military. Hence a strong military is important for its survival. Machiavelli's book The
Prince deals with the making of a society in which the people are corrupt. "Machiavelli freely
prescribes for the man who wishes to acquire power and glory in a corrupt republic by becoming a
tyrant rather than a public–spirited reformer." [Bluhm, 1971, p.213.] Addressed to Lorenzo De
Medici (the new ruler of Florence), The Prince's aim is to tell a ruler how to become a good tyrant.
According to Machiavelli a prince must posses the virtues that should have been present in a good

Machiavelli
Machiavelli
NicolГІ Machiavelli was born in Florence, Italy on May 3, 1469 to attorney Bernardo di NicolГІ
Machiavelli and wife Bartolomea di Stefano Nelli. Despite being the third child, Machiavelli was
the first son born to the couple. Machiavelli was born in a tumultuous era in which popes waged
acquisitive wars against Italian city–states, and people and cities often fell from power as France,
Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, and Switzerland battled for regional influence and control.
Political–military alliances continually changed, featuring condottieri (mercenary leaders), who
changed sides without warning, and the rise and fall of many short–lived governments. Peace was
restored to Florence in 1494 when the Medici family, who had ruled for...show more content...
He drank in the company of peasants, fought in local villages and railed at his fate. At night, he
dressed in the old robes of office, sat at his desk, and wrote. He drew on his experiences in
government and composed a manifesto for pragmatic leadership (PBS)." Machiavelli used his own
personal accounts and experiences in order to write The Prince. In the book, Machiavelli describes
how to take and maintain control of foreign lands with any means necessary, regardless of morals.
"Because how one ought to live is so far removed from how one lives that he who lets go of what
is done for that which one ought to do sooner learns ruin than his own preservation: because a
man who might want to make a show of goodness in all things necessarily comes to ruin among so
many who are not good. Because of this it is necessary for a prince, wanting to maintain himself,
to learn how to be able to be not good and to use this and not use it according to necessity
(Machiavelli)." The Prince is different from other books about creating and controlling
principalities because it doesn't tell you what an ideal prince or principality is, but Machiavelli
explains through examples, which princes are the most successful in obtaining and maintaining
power. Machiavelli draws his examples from personal observations made while he was on
diplomatic missions for Florence and from his readings in ancient history. His writing has the mark
of the Renaissance upon it because he sprinkles his text with Latin phrases and many examples are
drawn from Classical

Essay about Machiavelli And Morality
When reading Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince, one can't help but grasp Machiavelli's argument
that morality and politics can not exist in the same forum. However, when examining Machiavelli's
various concepts in depth, one can conclude that perhaps his suggested violence and evil is fueled
by a moral end of sorts. First and foremost, one must have the understanding that this book is aimed
solely at the Prince or Emperor with the express purpose of aiding him in maintaining power.
Therefore, it is essential to grasp his concepts of fortune and virtue. These two contrary concepts
reflect the manner in which a Prince should govern while minimizing all chance and uncertainty.
This kind of governing demands violence to be taken, however this...show more content...
What must be understood is that the throne is always in jeopardy and someone is always there to try
to knock the prince off his pedestal. This is a prime understanding that a prince must have, and fuels
the infamous argument by Machiavelli that it is better to be feared than loved. Machiavelli explains
that, for the most part, love is very subjective and eventually will subside unless further concessions
are made to appease his subjects. In addition, people only care about their personal conveniences
and a prince would have to overextend himself if he were to be loved by all. Fear, however, is not
subjective and has a universal effect on all his people. Fear can be attained by sporadic violent
acts. One must understand, however, that massive amounts of violence can not be done because it
would portray the Prince as tyrant, and might stir up his people to revolt against him. The acts
must be calculated, concise, and serve a direct purpose not only to his benefit but to the people's
also. Despite what might be assumed, Machiavelli is really developing a principality based around
the people, where the Prince's actions are merely to save his own head from the chopping block.
In essence, Machiavelli's ideal principality sustains a genuine sense of morality behind the violence
that "must be subjected in order to maintain stability." Looking at his plans subjectively,

Niccolo Machiavelli and Political Philosophy
Niccolo Machiavelli is revered as the founder of modern political philosophy. He was considered a
"realist" because he concerned himself only with the political situations that actually arose in reality,
where as previous philosophers were concerned largely with the theoretical politics of an "idealist"
perfect society. In Machiavellis' The Prince, written to the ruler of Florence at the time, Lorenzo de'
Medici, he analyzes the characteristics of numerous past rulers. In doing so, Machiavelli presents
Medici with a sort of guidebook of successful political practices. Machiavelli goes against Platonic
philosophy. Whereas Plato believed that human kind was virtuous by nature, with...show more
content...
Machiavelli begins by saying that the most difficult thing for a ruler to do is to acquire a new
kingdom. This may be accomplished one of two ways, "either by the arms of others or by one's
own, either by fortune or virtue." What he means by the "arms of others" and "fortune" is monarchs
that inherit their kingdoms. When Machiavelli refers to using one's own arms or "virtue," he is in
fact equating virtue with force. By advocating the use of force, Machiavelli became the first political
thinker to suggest power politics.
According to Machiavelli, acquiring a kingdom by force is perfectly all right, because the desired
end justifies any means necessary to achieve it. He does however instruct Medici as to "the good
and bad use of cruelties." By this, Machiavelli is referring to both the effective and non–effective
uses of force. Machiavelli states that "Good use is when…is when they [acts of cruelty]
are perpetrated all at once…and subsequently not repeated." Much like the reign or terror
instituted by C. Marius in the late Roman republic or the killing of the Russian royal family
during the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. Machiavelli advocated the swift use of blatant force to
kill off the opposition as well as to strike fear into the hearts of the masses. Over time the ruler may
make the use of his force less often, thus giving him the appearance of being kind. Machiavelli goes
on to say that the bad use of cruelty is when they

Machiavelli Argument Essay
Niccolo Machiavelli has been looked at as a cruel person throughout history. He had many ideas
that some found excessively harsh. Machiavelli supported saying it is better to be feared than
loved, favoring stinginess over generosity, and believing that a leader should deceive of their
subjects. Though many would not like to hear it, these things often do need to be done by a leader.
What may not be moral for a singular person, might be excusable for a leader because they is not
protecting just their own livelihood but the greater good of their country. All of these value should
be in effect in our current government to a certain capacity.
For Machiavelli's idea that it is better to be feared than loved; many villainize his way of thinking
because, they say that if someone truly loved their leader then they would not betray him....show
more content...
A leader does not have to give someone the shirt on their back to be seen as liberal. To be stingy
does not mean one cannot give back to their country. A leader may use the funds provided by his
/her country sparingly to provide an efficient use of resources without becoming too generous.
Throughout time many great world leaders have been called stingy, but it is through being stingy
that they have won wars, brought wealth to their subjects, and flourished as a nation. This ideal
also supports the idea that Machiavelli often represents, which is that the end justifies the means.
The King of France and King of Spain in Machiavelli's time both practiced stinginess as a tactic in
saving for war, both had many successful undertakings. One does not have to be completely liberal
to seem liberal, in his opinion. Machiavelli's moral stance states that it is better to be feared than
loved. In how he describes this I feel he means it is better to be respected than loved. "Cesare Borgia
was thought cruel; nevertheless that well–known cruelty of his reorganized the Romagna–" (Chapter

Essay on Machiavelli
The Italian Renaissance is known for its birth of many notable philosophers, including the famous
Niccolo Machiavelli. He is, without a doubt, one of the greatest political thinkers to have ever
existed, and his ideas and beliefs have been an inspiration and motivation for many famous leaders.
Although he has known to have been a positive influence on mankind, Machiavelli has also
distinguished a bad reputation that has been unfairly given to him because of a misunderstanding in
his views on politics. Since rulers like Hitler and Mussolini have followed his teachings for obtaining
power, society has unfortunately looked down upon this great philosopher, despite the many things
he introduced to mankind. Machiavelli was born on May 3,...show more content...
For the next ten years of his life, he dedicated himself to writing political philosophy, history, poems,
and even plays to express his beliefs about politics and power. These expressions were all attempts
to gain favor of the Medici rulers so that he could someday get his political position back, and
meanwhile he was gaining popularity among people because of his new and different
perspectives for not only government and politics, but in life in general as well. His most famous
work, The Prince, was written in honor of the Medici family to express his ideals and suggestions
for a powerful government. The Medici noticed him finally in 1525 when the rulers called him
back to service. He spent his last two years of working for them before they overthrew the system
again, just before Machiavelli died on June 20, 1527. As a politician, military theorist, historian,
playwright, diplomat, and philosopher, Machiavelli proved to be an incredible contribution to
society. Although extremely well known around the world for his philosophy in politics, he has
been seriously misinterpreted. Since he has incorrectly been viewed as an evil figure to mankind,
the term "Machiavellian" has been developed over the years to describe a person who has no morals.
The term "Machiavellian" usually refers to someone who is untrustworthy, unprincipled, cunning,
sly, and deceitful. Machiavelli had a harsh way of viewing things, but he had no

Machiavellian Politics Essay
Machiavellian politics is infamous for its cutthroat attitude towards rulership and coming to power.
Among its main points are deception, lying, and skullduggery. In Machiavelli's mind, however, one
thing reigns supreme, might. Through sheer power and wise use of it, anything can be overcome
and anyone defeated. When dealing with the "prince" of a nation, this sort of conflict usually takes
the world stage as war. To Machiavelli, the ultimate tool, and perhaps the only one needed, that a
prince needs is the art of war.
First in the fourteenth chapter of "The Prince", Machiavelli states, "The art of war is all that is
expected of a ruler; and it is so useful that besides enabling hereditary princes to maintain their rule it
frequently...show more content...
Moreover, Machiavelli has good reason to believe that arming yourself for the eventuality of
others coming against you is essential. "You are bound to meet misfortune if you are unarmed
because, among other reasons, people despise you, and this, as I shall say later on, is one of the
infamies a prince should be on his guard against" (Machiavelli 48). The reason for this hatred is
that without force, others will wonder why they are beneath you. This confusion about why the one
in charge should be weak and incompetent will lead to, as he says, the prince's misfortune. The
gathering of force, and thus preparation for conflict in the form of war, is the best deterrent against
prospective princes. The more armed the prince is, the less logical it would seem to revolt against
the them. Machiavelli also notes it as one of the infamies that a prince should constantly be vigilant
for, that is, being hated for your lack of strength yet high position.
Machiavelli continues with the analogy of force as being the main way to maintain power, whether
force being used, or potential force that could be brought against someone. "It is unreasonable to
expect that an armed man should obey one who is unarmed, or that an unarmed man should remain
safe and secure when his servants are armed." (Machiavelli 48). This line draws on the fact that
Machiavelli is deeply distrustful of people, and believes that the only guaranteed way to keep them

Machiavelli And Shakespeare Essay
Machiavelli and Shakespeare reveal similar underlying views on authority and leadership however
they provide different perspectives due to their form, context and purpose. Niccolo Machiavelli's
laudatory treatise The Prince (1515) was written in a turbulent Renaissance Italy after the return of
the De' Medici's as an attempt to regain political power. Machiavelli reveals his perspective on
authority and leadership by advocating the appearance of virtue and necessary cruelty as a means of
maintaining power. William Shakespeare's tragedy Julius Caesar (1599) differs his perspective on
authority and leadership due to his Elizabethan audience yet reveals similar attitudes. Through a
dramatic representation it is revealed that manipulation and...show more content...
The Prince presents this understanding in his handbook for Lorenzo de' Medici yet Shakespeare
presents his perspective in a dramatic representation.
Shakespeare reveals a similar notion to Machiavelli in relation to authority and leadership through
the character of Antony. Antony uses a similar strategy to Machiavelli and Borgia by effectively
manipulating Brutus and the plebeians for his own benefit. Shakespeare set Julius Caesar in Ancient
Rome to portray the concerns prevalent in Elizabethan England. This era consisted of a patriarchal
hierarchy which created the opportunistic man and ability to take greed, similar to what Antony
embodies. After Caesar's death Antony possesses the role of the true Machiavel through his
appearance of virtue. Antony differs to Machiavelli's attitude as he explores this value through
revenge motives. Antony manipulates the conspirators through the physical action of "first, Marcus
Brutus, I will shake with you". This is symbolic as it aligns Antony with Brutus thus initiating his
manipulative nature. Antony's funeral speech highlights the appearance of virtue to manipulate the
plebeians due to his position of authority. The use of repotia in "but Brutus says he was ambitious,
And Brutus is an honourable man" illustrates the manipulation and raises doubt in the crowd's mind.
Antony is able to weaken Brutus' argument and eventually this

The Life And Importance Of Machiavelli Essay
The Life and Importance of Machiavelli
"There are three kinds of intelligence: one kind understands things for itself, the other appreciates
what others can understand, the third understands neither for itself nor through others. This first
kind is excellent, the second good, and the third kind useless" (NiccolГІ Quotes). NiccolГІ
Machiavelli was one of the greatest influences on our world today. His research and philosophies
explored new strategies and ways of thinking. Machiavelli was before his own time and possibly
had the utmost influence on the world of any person from the Renaissance. Machiavelli's life is
greatly a part of history as well as his influence and importance.
On May 3rd, 1469, in Florence, Italy, NiccolГІ Machiavelli was born. He was known as the
originator of modern political science. He is also known for a diverse list of careers such as; a
philosopher, politician, humanist, writer, diplomat and an Italian Renaissance historian. In Italy's
Florentine Republic, he was a diplomat for fourteen years. While he lived as a diplomat the
Medici family's exile was taking place. During these times, Machiavelli flourished becoming a
Florentine Republic senior official. He also held military dealings, continued his diplomatic
responsibilities, and wrote poetry and songs. As all good things come to an end, in 1512, the
Medici family regained their power. As soon as the Medici family returned to power, Machiavelli
was removed from office and accused of plotting against

Machiavelli Essay

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