Fortune and Machiavelli Fortune in the Prince

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 direct the other half…" (Machiavelli Chapter 25)

Machiavelli first discussed fortune in chapter 7 of the Prince when he stated how princes could come into power. 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 accepted that fortune exists and that, much like a raging river, sometimes it was good and sometimes it could be destructive. But like a river, mankind can "…make provision, both with defences and barriers, in such a manner that, & #8230;their force be neither so unrestrained nor so dangerous." (Machiavelli Chapter 25)

Since fortune was always changing, those "whose actions are not in accord with the times will not be successful." (Machiavelli Chapter 25) Princes have to be able to sense the changes in their political environment, and be able to successfully change their actions to suit these new times. While fortune often directs where the changes will take the society, the prince must prepare for changes, and act accordingly when the time is right. If the prince attempted to remain the same, being unwilling or unable to adapt to the present circumstances, he would fail as a prince.