...wrote a pamphlet called The Prince to gain influence with the ruling Medici family in Florence. The political genius of Niccolo Machiavelli was overshadowed by the reputation that was unfairly given to him because of a misunderstanding of his views on politics (Niccolli Machiavelli 1). Machiavelli's life was very interesting. He lived a nondescript childhood in Florence, and his main political experience in his youth was watching Savanarola from afar. Soon after Savanarola was executed, Machiavelli entered the Florentine government as a secretary. His position quickly rose, however, and was soon engaging in diplomatic missions (Nicolo Machiavelli 1). He met many of the important politicians of the day, such as the Pope and the King of France, but none had more impact on him than a prince of the Papal States, Cesare Borgia. Borgia was a cunning, cruel man, very much like the one portrayed in The Prince. Machiavelli did not truly like Borgia's policies, but he thought that with a ruler like Borgia the Florentines could unite Italy, which was Machiavelli's goal throughout his life. Unfortunately for Machiavelli, he was dismissed from office when the Medici came to rule Florence and the Republic was overthrown (Niccolli Machiavelli 1). The lack of a job forced him to switch to writing about politics instead of being active. His diplomatic missions were his last official government positions. When Machiavelli lost his office, he desperately wanted to return to politics. He tried...
Words: 606 - Pages: 3
...IR 3034: The Political theory of Peace and War. [pic] FIRST ESSAY: « For Machiavelli, the art of war is the supreme test of any polity, whether principality or republic ». Discuss Introduction: Quentin Skinner once argued that even if “Machiavelli died nearly 500 years ago, (…) his name lives on as a byword for cunning, duplicity, and the exercise of bad faith in political affairs”1. Indeed, there is no denying that Machiavelli stands probably as one of the most controversial thinker in the history of political theory. In fact, Skinner even argued that “the charge of being a Machiavellian remains a serious accusation in the political debate”2. As his biographers tell us, Machiavelli came from an Italian family which had been relatively important in the political life of Florence for a long time before his birth, in 1469. At 29 years old, he became second chancellor of the republic, without previous experience, a charge he will keep for more than fourteen years till the return of the Medici’s family. This experience as top official of the Florentine Republic had obviously a huge impact on the development of both his later life, characterized by a succession of disgraces and stroked of bad luck, and his thought. Indeed, as Maurizio Viroli asserts, “Machiavelli considered himself to be an expert on a special art which we call statecraft and he called “arte dello stato”3. There is no denying that, if we look at most of his writings, we will realize...
Words: 3130 - Pages: 13
...realist theory, it is the importance of power that has become widely synonymous with the realist perspective. Defined as the ability to make other actors do what they would not otherwise do, the pursuit of power is an instinctive desire of all individuals (Singer 81). One individual in particular, Niccolo Machiavelli, had arguably the most profound understanding in history of the importance of power (Kuper 1). In his acclaimed treatise The Prince, Machiavelli, a 15th century Florentine diplomat, advised state leaders – or princes – on effective approaches to statecraft. As an extension of classical realism, Machiavellian views have proven to be timeless and universal, as they have been identified in many geopolitical contexts of the modern era. This essay will argue that African state leaders’ decisions from 1970 to 1985 were justified by Machiavellian realist principles, by examining the importance of preserving power, maintaining the national interest and the appropriate use of cruelty. Machiavelli’s beliefs are best described as an extension of classical realism,...
Words: 2674 - Pages: 11
...He was a historian, diplomat, politician, philosopher, and writer. He is widely accepted as the framer of modern political science and political ethics. Machiavelli made many contributions to his country Italy, but he is mostly acclaimed for his literary masterpiece “The Prince.” Machiavelli was able to formulate his theories presented in his masterpiece because of the considerable traveling and engagements with various world leaders his fourteen year career span as a diplomat. His many positions held, such as Secretary to the Second Chancery of the Signoria and assistant to Soderini who was elected chief magistrate of the Republic, allowed him to acquire wealth and govern regions. He lost his post as the Secretary of the Second Chancery when the Medici family was reinstated back to power after Spain overthrew the Florentine government. He was accused of plotting to overthrow the Medici government and was incarcerated and tormented. Upon his release after his innocence was favorably proven, he moved to a farm near San Casciano where his boredom allotted him time to write “The Prince.” “The Prince” has been portrayed by analyzers and supporters as one of the most vivid pieces of political theorization published centuries ago and is believed to have influenced the actions of controversial political leaders from Hitler to Saddam Hussein. It was written for Lorenzo de’ Medici, the political figurehead at the time. During that time, Italy and other countries...
Words: 2587 - Pages: 11
...Niccoló Machiavelli Asha Chang The University of the West Indies Niccolo Machiavelli From the centuries of the Dark Ages to the time of St. Tomas Aquinas’ birth, marked a time of steady increase in thought and knowledge. A man would come after however, adding new knowledge by taking a different approach from his fore runners, about the state and governance. Some would refer to his work as promoting the evil nature of man, which happen to be persons who have never read his work; while others believe that he only gives evidence to his heightened intellect and reveals the true nature of human-kind. This man was known as Niccolo Machiavelli. Machiavelli was born in Florence, Italy to a relatively well of family in 1469 and died in 1527 A.D. He was born at the time when Europe was blossoming with the Renaissance (rebirth of knowledge/learning). He is known as the Man of Age and Reason. He was born in an era that discovered and explored the World of Classical Greece and Rome; on the one hand and embraced the scientific and technological innovations of the emerging capitalist class and of Arab scientists and technologists. After the 14th century the writings and thoughts began to move in the direction to rationalism/secular beliefs and by the 15th century the Renaissance was born like a little baby growing with Classical Humanism by which knowledge broke with faith and claimed superiority over it. “The Renaissance goes beyond the moral selfhood of Stoicism, the spiritual uniqueness...
Words: 3052 - Pages: 13
...Incompatible Collectivity Mathukumilli Siddartha 1.At first glance, it is curious that Machiavelli, a committed Florentine republican, would write both The Prince and Discourses. Upon closer look, perhaps they are not incompatible. Argue how and why the ideas and values of the two texts complement one another. Niccolo Machiavelli can be described as a cunning critic of political reason. He is the famous author of two books about politics, The Prince and Discourses.The Prince is concerned with autocratic or monarchical regimes with flexible morals , where it is necessary to maintain public favor to retain power.Which favor or support is advised to be maintained using limited generosity , appearing religious ,not persecuting citizens and decisiveness.In the Discourses, Machiavelli extolls the virtues of a republic.The theme of Discourses is that popular rule is always better than that of princes.Emphasizing a strong role for the populace, Machiavelli suggests that political debate and conflict with the appropriate balance of power can actually serve to strengthen a state. As with the Prince he maintains a...
Words: 1150 - Pages: 5
...Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli (I3 May 1469 – 21 June 1527) was an Italian historian, philosopher, humanist, and writer based in Florence during the Renaissance. A founder of modern political science, he was a diplomat, political philosopher, playwright, and a civil servant of the Florentine Republic. He also wrote comedies, carnival songs and poetry. His personal correspondence is renowned in the Italian language. Strauss (1958:11) notes that "even if we were forced to grant that Machiavelli was essentially a patriot or a scientist, we would not be forced to deny that he was a teacher of evil" He wrote his masterpiece, The Prince, after the Medici had recovered power and he no longer held a position of responsibility in Florence. Believing that people were motivated by self-interest, Niccolò Machiavelli wrote The Prince in 1513 as advice for the city of Florence, Italy. Machiavelli recommended that leaders use fear—but not hatred—to maintain control. Machiavelli’s best-known book, "The Principe," contains a number of maxims concerning politics, but rather than the more traditional subject of a hereditary prince, it concentrates on the possibility of a "new prince." To retain power, the hereditary prince must carefully maintain the socio-political institutions to which the people are accustomed; whereas a new prince has the more difficult task in ruling, since he must first stabilize his new-found power in order to build an enduring political structure. The Prince is...
Words: 1237 - Pages: 5
...Machiavelli's Tiger: Lee Kuan Yew and Singapore's Authoritarian Regime By Uri Gordon (student at the Department of Political Science, Tel Aviv University, Israel) Between being loved and being feared, I have always believed Machiavelli was right. If nobody is afraid of me, I’m meaningless. Lee Kuan Yew, 6.10.1997 Introduction ‘History’, observes Adorno, ‘is the unity of continuity and discontinuity’. Even a basic awareness to this reality should be enough to prevent anyone – especially the new sojourner into the realm of political science – from making coarse comparisons between past and present. And yet, sometimes the picture is so compelling, so painfully clear, that it simply cannot be ignored. Faced with it, all one can do is carefully explore the contours of the ancient and the new, hoping to retain enough responsibility to open his eyes to the differences when they manifest themselves. This is what the current paper sets out to do. Though hundreds of years and thousands of miles stand between 16th century Italy and 20th century Singapore, between the writings of Niccolò Machiavelli and the statecraft of Lee Kuan Yew, the similarities are extraordinary. This paper will argue that the political views and actions of Singapore’s ruling elite – more precisely, those of the country’s ‘founding father’ Lee Kuan Yew – can be powerfully interpreted through an application of Machiavellian principles. This interpretation takes place on two levels. First, the political actions of Singapore’s...
Words: 7718 - Pages: 31
...The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Prince, by Nicolo Machiavelli This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org Title: The Prince Author: Nicolo Machiavelli Translator: W. K. Marriott Release Date: February 11, 2006 [EBook #1232] Last Updated: November 5, 2012 Language: English *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PRINCE *** Produced by John Bickers, David Widger and Others THE PRINCE by Nicolo Machiavelli Translated by W. K. Marriott Nicolo Machiavelli, born at Florence on 3rd May 1469. From 1494 to 1512 held an official post at Florence which included diplomatic missions to various European courts. Imprisoned in Florence, 1512; later exiled and returned to San Casciano. Died at Florence on 22nd June 1527. CONTENTS INTRODUCTION YOUTH Aet. 1-25—1469-94 OFFICE Aet. 25-43—1494-1512 LITERATURE AND DEATH Aet. 43-58—1512-27 THE MAN AND HIS WORKS DEDICATION THE PRINCE CHAPTER I HOW MANY KINDS OF PRINCIPALITIES THERE ARE CHAPTER II CONCERNING HEREDITARY PRINCIPALITIES CHAPTER III CONCERNING MIXED PRINCIPALITIES CHAPTER IV ALEXANDER WHY THE KINGDOM OF DARIUS, CONQUERED BY CHAPTER V CONCERNING THE WAY TO GOVERN CITIES OR PRINCIPALITIES CHAPTER VI ACQUIRED CONCERNING NEW PRINCIPALITIES WHICH ARE CHAPTER VII ACQUIRED ...
Words: 53109 - Pages: 213
...WESTERN CIVILIZATIONS Western Civilization HMS 301 1 WESTERN CIVILIZATIONS Main Topics The Black Death The Effects of the Black Death The Rise of Constitutional Monarchy The Hundred Years’ War The Decline of the Church The Renaissance Italy: Birthplace of the Renaissance Italian Renaissance Humanism Machiavelli and Power Politics Leonardo Da Vinci Global Travel and Trade The African Cultural Heritage West African Kingdoms The Europeans in Africa Native American Cultures Maya Civilization The Empires of the Incas and the Aztecs The Spanish in the Americas and the Aftermath of Their Conquest The Impact of Technology Christian Humanism and the Northern Renaissance Luther and the Protestant Reformation The Spread of Protestantism The Catholic Reformation 2 WESTERN CIVILIZATIONS The French Revolution Napoleon Bonaparte The Industrial Revolution Advancing Industrialism Colonialism China and the West Social and Economic Realities Nineteenth-Century Social Theory: conservatism, liberalism & socialism The Radical View of Marx and Engels Picasso and the Birth of Cubism Futurism, Fauvism and Non Objective Art The Birth of Motion Pictures Freud and the Psyche Total War and Totalitarianism The First World War The Russian Revolution Nazi Totalitarianism The Second World War Identity and Liberation: Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Malcolm X 3 WESTERN CIVILIZATIONS The Black Death ...
Words: 16933 - Pages: 68
...Pre-Socratic Period Thales of Miletus Background: Thales of Miletus (fl. c. 585 BC) is regarded as the father of philosophy. Thales of Miletus was considered one of the Seven Wise Men of ancient Greece. Thales was the first of the Greek natural philosophers and founder of the Ionian school of ancient Greek thinkers. Works/Writings/Philosophy: His is said to have measured the Egyptian pyramids and to have calculated the distance from shore of ships at sea using his knowledge of geometry. He also predicted an eclipse of the sun. In geometry Thales has been credited with the discovery of five theorems like the one that a triangle inscribed in a semicircle has a right angle. He tried to discover the substance from which everything in nature is made off and suggested water. Thales is important in bridging the worlds of myth and reason. He initiated the revolutionary notion that to understand the world one needed to know its nature and that there was an explanation for all phenomena in natural terms. That was a giant step from the assumptions of the old world that supernatural forces determined almost everything. While considering the effects of magnetism and static electricity, he concluded that the power to move other things without the mover itself changing was a characteristic of "life", so that a magnet and amber must therefore be alive in some way (in that they have animation or the power to act). If so, he argued, there is no difference between the living and the dead...
Words: 17879 - Pages: 72
...01-Ellis-45685:01-Ellis-45685 7/16/2008 7:00 PM Page 1 Chapter 1 The Study of Personality Introduction Chapter Goals • Provide an overview of the controversies in the field of personality • Explain the purpose and utility of studying personality to mental health professionals • Review the various definitions of human personality • Offer insights into the history of personality theories • Introduce some of the methods used to measure or evaluate personality • Present some of the major personality theorists who have developed the concepts we will be studying S ubdisciplines of psychology such as social psychology, cognitive psychology, and indus- trial psychology endeavor to find common principles that will explain everyone’s behavior. These subfields have achieved considerable success in doing so, since we are all similar in many ways. Despite our similarities, however, there is little doubt that each human being is unique—different from every other individual on the planet. Seeking to understand human commonalities and seeking to account for individual differences are complementary, insofar as we cannot fully apprehend differences if we cannot identify our common characteristics. Personality psychology looks for answers to numerous questions. In what ways do human beings differ? In what situations and along what dimensions do they differ? Why do they differ? How much do they differ? How consistent are human differences? Can they be measured...
Words: 11226 - Pages: 45
