Machiavelli\'s the Prince What Elements

Machiavelli's The Prince

What elements in Machiavelli's the Prince are consistent with the values of Renaissance Humanism, and what elements are in conflict with those values? Is Machiavelli a humanist?

In Machiavelli's book, the Prince, the values that would be consistent with Renaissance Humanism would include: the ideal leader (the Prince) should always look out for the best interests of the state / general public at all times. Where, they have a moral obligation to ensure that there is some form of stability within the nation state. This meant that it was their duty to ensure that trade prospers and that the government could provide an atmosphere, for citizens to support themselves. It is up to this point, that Machiavelli supports the values of humanism that was common throughout the time period. (Sayre 600)

Once you move beyond this view, is when you can be able to see the ideas that are clearly in conflict with humanism to include: the way that leader fights war. When you look at the first idea, the way that the leader fights war, it is clear that Machiavelli is the opposite of liberalism. According to Machiavelli, the ideal leader is someone who will fight a war for the purpose of protecting the state at all costs. During those times when they are not fighting war, is when they should be preparing for it through extensive study. Evidence of this can be seen in chapter 14. Where, Machiavelli says, "A Price should have no care or thought but for war, and for the regulations and training it requires, and should apply himself exclusively to this as his peculiar province; for war is the sole are look for in one who rule and is of such efficacy that it not merely maintains those who are born Princes, but often enables men to rise to that eminence from a private station; while on the other hand we often see that when Princes devote themselves rather to pleasure than arm, they lose their dominions." (Sayer 600) This is significant, because it shows that ideal Price must be prepared to fight war at any time. Those who are not prepared for such possibilities could increase the chances that they could lose power, by not engaging in such study.

Yet, when you look a little further at war, it is clear, that the Prince must fight it ruthlessly. This does not mean, engaging in ruthless acts from the beginning. Instead, it means engaging in action that could be considered to be just as ruthless as their adversary. This is because, they way war is fought, will determine the overall will of the enemy to fight. Those who are as ruthless as their adversaries; will show that they are willing to go to the same length as them to win. Over the course of time, this will break the enemy's will to fight the war. At which point, the Prince must have a strategy for dealing with conquered territories. Where, there are three actions that they can engage in these would include: they could devastate the territory, live in it or allow them to maintain their local laws. The best way to maintain control of any conquered is to destroy it. This will force the citizens of the conquered territory to be loyal to the Prince, for out of fear what could happen next. An example of this can be seen in with Machiavelli saying, "What makes him despised is being considered changeable, frivolous, effeminate, cowardly, irresolute; from these qualities a prince must guard himself as if from a reef and he must strive to make everyone realize his actions, greatness, spirit strength." ("Selections from the Prince" 281) What this shows, is that those leaders who engage the citizens in conquered territories by allowing them to maintain their laws will perceive the Prince to be weak. In order to rule effectively, the Prince must show that he is a strong leader. This is significant, because it highlights how the ideal leader is: someone who will show what they mean through actions. Once this take place, the conquered citizens of the Prince will have respect for his rule and policies.

This has caused debate as to if the ideas of Machiavelli are more humanist or from a realist perspective. This is challenging, because he shows the importance of having a strong central government that will protect the general public. However, the tactics that he advocates using to achieve this objective are: questionable at best.