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Fortune and Machiavelli
Fortune in the Prince
During the Medieval and Renaissance periods political theorists often wrote books which were intended to be used as instructions for the rulers of the time. This was referred to as the "mirror of princes" technique, and the most famous of these instructional manuals was written by Niccolo Machiavelli and called The Prince. Although some versions of this book were around as early as 1513, the official printed version of his book actually was published in 1532, some time after the author's death. In his book The Prince, Macchiavelli discussed everything a ruler should know from how to gain and keep power to the qualities which make for a good prince. The author even discussed the concept of fortune, or luck, and how it should be dealt with by a prince. Fortune, according to Macchiavelli, was a real force of nature which a prince could, through good sense and preparation, use to his advantage. As Machiavelli himself wrote "I hold it to be true that Fortune is the arbiter of one-half of our actions, but that still leaves us to...
Fortune played a role for Machiavelli in how a prince became a prince, for example one may inherit a principality, or gain power through the actions of someone else. In such cases, Machiavelli asserted that such power was tenuous at best. Those who inherit or gain power through favor have not earned the loyalty of the armies and officials who they depend upon for their position. Also, gaining power through favor makes one entirely dependent upon the goodwill of the benefactor, something that could change at any time. (Machiavelli Chapter 7)
Machiavelli devoted the entire chapter 25, entitled "What Fortune Can Effect In Human Affairs, And How To Withstand Her," to the concept of fortune. The author began this chapter by asserting that those who simply live their lives by fortune, not only give up their free will, but also leave themselves at the mercy of fortune when it turns bad. Machiavelli…
Works Cited
Machiavelli, Niccolo. "The Prince." The Project Gutenberg. Trans. W.K. Marriott. 11 Feb. 2006. Web 7 May 2011.
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1232/1232-h/1232-h.htm
In Chapter 25 of the Prince, Machiavelli addresses the topic of fortune and its effect on rulers and their states. Machiavelli makes two main statements about fortune. First, the author claims that the good leader transcends fortune's vicissitudes. Free will, notes Machiavelli, trumps luck. Second, Machiavelli urges rulers to control and command fortune. Fortune is female in the Prince for two reasons. One, females are associated with nature, and Machiavelli uses
Parableman. 11 Aug Retrieved from: http://parablemania.ektopos.com/archives/2008/08/rightreason2.html] Machiavelli notes how the smart and successful ruler never allows the public to know his true intentions. This brings to the light of day the knowledge that what one sees is not what one always gets and that the most pleasing ruler might in reality be the most evil and corrupt ruler but who is smart enough and strategic enough to pull a sleight
Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli In Defense of Tyranny: The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli Niccolo Machiavelli, Italian historian, statesman, and philosopher of the Renaissance period, was known for his discourse, The Prince, published in the 16th century, for discussing his views on political leadership, particularly that of tyranny. In fact, The Prince is best described as a discourse on tyranny and authoritarian rule, and embodied through the Prince's personality, Machiavelli sets his
Prince by Machiavelli [...] what Machiavelli believes are the qualities of the best rulers and of the best states. It will also look at the questions: Why does he support these qualities? Why do they need to have such qualities? Do you think he's right? If so, pick a good ruler and show that he (or she) has these qualities. If you don't agree, choose a counterexample and do
46). These ideas are actually in direct contradiction to the prevailing religious philosophies of the time. Machiavelli does not seed men judged by God, or even by other men -- but instead by whether the deed one sought was accomplished or not; and if that deed has eventual ramifications that may be good. This Prince may come to power through evil means from himself, from others, or through historical forces.
Machiavelli In the sixteenth century, Florence was in a period of turmoil and political instability due to the clashes between different ruling elite. It was in this social and political climate that Niccolo Machiavelli wrote The Prince. The book is a practical guide to world leadership. The author focuses on the qualities of successful and unsuccessful leaders, the nature of their actions and decisions, and how they can and should react