Machiavelli

Machiavelli and More: Writings on the Politics of the Renaissance

Feb, 17, 2014.

1. Machiavelli believes that humans are naturally selfish and act in their best interest, though they can be persuaded to act for others. He says men come in a variety. “ Some are greedy, some are givers, some are gabbers, some cruel, some humane” etc. (The Prince). Machiavelli believes that people admire traits like courage and perseverance and ambition etc. because most of them are not able to pursue or achieve these traits. As mentioned above people act in there best interest, so when the times are good or prosperous the people will be loyal to there ruler. How ever during turmoil, Machiavelli says that the people will turn against you and break their loyalty. He can be seen saying this on page 13, “ While you serve their welfare, they are all yours, offering their blood, their belongings, their lives, their children’s lives, as we noted above- so long the danger is remote, but when the danger is close at hand they turn against you”. The point being made is that in order to keep your population in line, a prince must find the balance between fear and love. Having too much fear risks a rebellion, while having too much love risks betrayal and being overthrown easily. Machiavelli explains how human nature naturally takes advantage of love to ones own benefit, and how fear is the victor in ruling a state. He says, “ love is a link of obligation which men, because they are rotten, will break any time they think doing so serves their advantage; but fear involves dread of punishment from which they can never escape”. Machiavelli means that men feel no true obligation to someone unless they are fearful, because there will be a punishment. In all Machiavelli believes human nature to coherent to those of animals.

2. Machiavelli believes the qualities of a successful leader are to posses the quality of the lion and of the fox. (Fine balance) These are metaphors for pride...