Sign Up Now
Get instant access to over 1 million+ study documents
OR
Already registered? click here to login
By creating your account, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and student honor code.
Machiavelli's Important Characteristics of a Prince
Niccolo Machiavelli, great historian and political philosopher, had brought into fame his radical views concerning governance and who is best suited for the role of "the Prince." In this political discourse, Machiavelli discusses the important characteristics that the Prince should have in order to ensure that the state will be governed justly and rightfully. Thus, with the publication of these important philosophies in "the Prince," there emerged the inception of the term, "Machiavellian."
Looking into the Microsoft Encarta Library's definition of "Machiavellian," it defines this term as "using clever trickery, amoral methods, and expediency to achieve a desired goal, especially in politics." Although Machiavelli's works reflect 'Machiavellian thinking,' his actions as a statesman in 16th century-Italy is far from the idealistic notions he has held to ensure effective state governance. His imprisonment as ordered by the Medici family in Florence in 1512 was the result of his unsophisticated attempt to defend the republic of Florence by creating a military defense by using native troops only. However, it was after his imprisonment that Machiavelli showed 'Machiavellian' traits, as he tried to pursue his political philosophy by gaining his once-deferred power by the Medici family. Machiavelli shows his Machiavellianism by devising ways to win their favor once again, and these ways include creating discourses that reflect the family's method of governing Italy. By reflecting through the image of the Medici family the image of resolute and wise leaders, he shows that he has the ability to win others' favor through "clever trickery" -- that is, by making the Medici family believe that he is an avid follower of their administration, and eventually, win their trust. However, Machiavelli had failed to receive the desired results of his philosophies, but the strategies he adopted to achieve the reforms he wanted to introduce in Italy was nevertheless successful, at least through his truly Machiavellian writings and discourses.
According to Machiavelli, there are several different characteristics that must be exhibited to include: balanced generosity, compassion, honesty and the ability to listen to only select advisors. When looking at the first characteristic, balanced generosity, this means that a leader can not be too generous with the citizens. Otherwise, they will expect this generosity at all times, the moment that the leadership must increase taxes and have other financial
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
Republicans recently overtook Democrats in fundraising, for instance, yet they will continue to play the underdog on most issues because the "good" qualities of security and being disadvantaged (which is generally viewed favorably in the country) are mutually exclusive, and because the appearance of being the underdog helps their cause regardless of its truth. This also reflects a singularity of purpose and a determination that one's own conclusions, and not those
The Black Death and RenaissanceThe Black Death swept across Europe from 1347 to 1351, leading to an estimated death of 75-200 million people, or approximately 30-60% of Europe\\\'s total population at that time (Gottfried, 2010). It was believed to be caused by the Bubonic plague, a deadly infection carried by fleas on black rats, and it resulted in severe social, economic, and cultural impacts. The Renaissance, on the other hand,
Lao-Tzu and Machiavelli The Toa-te Ching is a text which was written many centuries ago. The work is attributed to Loa-tzu and functions as a treatise on the Tao religion. The primary purpose of the writing is as a religious tome designed to instruct and also to inform about the basic tenets of the religion. However, its secondary function is to impart knowledge to potential leaders on what is the best
This potential is in fact each man's ability to perform a certain task and fulfill a certain role in society. It is very important to note here that this role is determined by man's capacity to reason which is in fact, the key to understanding Aristotle's view on human nature. Regarding political regimes, Aristotle characterizes monarchy, aristocracy and polity as the good type of regimes whereas tyranny, oligarchy and