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Niccolo Machiavelli

This category is for questions about Machiavelli whose full name is Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli. He was an Italian historian, politician, diplomat, philosopher, humanist and writer during the Renaissance, and he is perhaps best remembered for his political treatise 'The Prince.'

272 Questions

Did Machiavelli write a book called The Prince?

Yes, Niccolò Machiavelli wrote a book titled "The Prince," which was published in 1532. It is a political treatise that offers advice on how a ruler can maintain power and navigate the complexities of governance. The work is often associated with the concept of political realism and is known for its pragmatic, sometimes ruthless approach to leadership. "The Prince" remains a significant influence on political theory and philosophy.

What advice would Machiavelli give an absolute monarch of today?

Machiavelli would likely advise an absolute monarch to prioritize pragmatism and the effective use of power over moral considerations. He would emphasize the importance of being both feared and respected, suggesting that a ruler should maintain control through a balance of strength and strategic diplomacy. Additionally, he would recommend being adaptable to changing circumstances and public sentiment, while ensuring the loyalty of key supporters to secure the throne. Ultimately, Machiavelli would stress the necessity of decisiveness and cunning in governance.

What is the best translation of "The Prince" by Niccol Machiavelli?

The best translation of "The Prince" by Niccol Machiavelli is often considered to be the one by W. K. Marriott, as it is widely praised for its accuracy and readability.

How would Machiavelli approach a situation where the ends justify the means?

Machiavelli would likely support using any means necessary to achieve a desired outcome, even if they are unethical or immoral, as long as the end result benefits the ruler or the state.

According to Machiavelli, why should a prince seek to be feared, but not hated?

According to Machiavelli, a prince should seek to be feared but not hated because fear ensures obedience and control, while hatred can lead to rebellion and instability.

Is it correct to call Machiavelli citizen of all states and contemporary of all ages?

Yes, it is correct to call Machiavelli a "citizen of all states" because his political writings, particularly "The Prince," transcend national boundaries and are applicable to various political contexts. Additionally, Machiavelli's ideas on power and governance remain relevant across different historical periods, making him a "contemporary of all ages" in terms of his enduring influence on political thought.

''separation of church from state in The Prince by Machiavelli''?

In "The Prince," Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of a ruler appearing religious while prioritizing political power. He supports the idea of separating the church from the state, believing that rulers should not be overly reliant on religious institutions for their governance. Machiavelli suggests that a ruler should maintain control over both religious and political affairs to secure their power effectively.

Should today's world leaders follow the rules Machiavelli set down?

Machiavelli's principles focus on maintaining power at any cost, often through manipulation and violence. Today's world leaders should prioritize ethics, morality, and the well-being of their people while also being strategic and effective in governance. It's important for leaders to strike a balance between strength and compassion, seeking to serve the common good rather than just maintaining power for its own sake.

How did Machiavelli view the world?

Machiavelli believed in a balanced form of leadership. This balance was between cruelty and mercy.With too much mercy, people could revolt and take over the government. However, with too much cruelty, your people will fear you and possibly lead to a failing government, economy, and social structure.

How did Machiavelli challenge the renaissance ideal of a hero?

Machiavelli challenged the Renaissance ideal of a hero by promoting the idea of a ruler who prioritized power and practicality over traditional virtues like honor and morality. His work "The Prince" advocated for political realism and emphasized the importance of cunning and ruthlessness in leadership, which went against the idealized image of a noble and virtuous ruler that was prevalent during the Renaissance.

What can a continued policy of liberality lead for a prince's subjects?

A continued policy of liberality can lead to financial instability for a prince's subjects, as it may result in excessive spending that cannot be sustained. This can ultimately lead to increased taxes or economic hardship for the citizens.

Which philosopher said it was better to be feared than love?

Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian diplomat, philosopher, and writer, wrote in "The Prince" that it is safer for a ruler to be feared than loved if they cannot be both. He argued that fear is a more reliable means of maintaining power and control.

Does Machiavelli favor a system of government that would provide directly for people's needs?

No, Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of political stability and a strong ruling power over directly providing for people's needs. He argues that a ruler should focus on maintaining power and order, even if it means using harsh or deceitful tactics.

Why was Machiavelli so serious about Renaissances?

Machiavelli believed that the Renaissance period was a time of political upheaval and opportunity for Italy, and he wanted to provide practical advice to rulers on how to maintain their power and govern effectively. He saw the Renaissance as a crucial moment for political innovation and saw his work as a way to contribute to the success of Italian rulers.

What qualities did Machiavelli believe were important in a ruler?

Machiavelli believed that a ruler should be cunning, strategic, and willing to make difficult decisions for the good of the state. He also emphasized the importance of being feared rather than loved, in order to maintain control and power.

When Machiavelli wrote The Prince in 1513 he faced a lot of criticism What were the key ideas of The Prince and how did these ideas influence European rulers?

The key ideas of The Prince include the importance of cunning and ruthlessness in achieving and maintaining power. It also emphasizes the necessity for rulers to prioritize the stability and strength of their state over moral considerations. These ideas influenced European rulers by encouraging them to adopt a pragmatic and often amoral approach to governance, focusing on maintaining power and control.

Did Machiavelli deserve the reputation he has today?

Machiavelli left the steps to becoming a leader who will be able to maintain his power over his country. Such insight can be helpful not only in evaluating leaders like Cesare Borgia in Machiavelli's time, but modern day leaders who may fit at least some of the descriptions in 'The Prince.'

Should the US government be more or less Machiavellian?

Considering that this is a "Should" question, you will likely get dissenting opinions.

However, to clarify: Machiaevellian is the ideal that cunning and duplicity should be used to achieve political ends, and an idea that these ends justify whatever means were used to achieve them.

Answer 1 - No

The idea of Machieavellian machinations is entirely opposed to the transparency and human rights that fundamentally undergird the US political system. The transparency comes to the fore as regards politicians and legislation. When people elect a politician, they expect that politician to advocate what it is that he was voted into office for. This is as opposed to using one set of ideals when running, but implementing a wholly different set when governing. As concerns human rights, these inhibit the actions of government in such a way to protect the citizenry. Machiavellians have no objection to the use of torture provided such acts are either performed secretly (so that there is no negative reaction) or if torture is acceptable. Machiavellians are more concerned with the appearance of propiety than actual propiety, which would lead to increasing violations of civil liberties such as wiretaps, unlawful searches and seizures, and other issues.

Answer 2 - Yes

Often, the US public has very little idea of what it actually wants and desires. They vote in politicians often based on one statement, their supposed party, or the way their hair is coiffed. Politicians should take advantage of these unsuspecting voters to grow and expand their power in methods that would benefit the United States government. Many critical changes in US policy are not currently popular, such as tax increases or public welfare program adjustments, but these things need to be done. Politicians who can put forward and pass these necessary pieces of legislation while being able to put the egg on someone else's face can stay in power longer to better protect the US from its American citizenry.

How does Niccolo Machiavelli distinguish his study of the art of ruling from that of earlier writers?

Machiavelli differed from earlier writers by focusing on the practical aspects of ruling rather than moral or idealistic considerations. He believed rulers should prioritize maintaining power and stability, even if it meant using deceit and cruelty. Machiavelli's pragmatic approach in "The Prince" marks a departure from the traditional emphasis on virtue and ethics in political thought.

Does Machiavelli believe that the ends justify the means?

Yes, Machiavelli believed that the ends justified the means, especially in politics. He argued that rulers should do whatever is necessary to maintain power and stability, even if it means using deceit or force.

In The Prince why was Machiavelli exiled to the country and what happened to him?

Machiavelli was exiled to the countryside because he was accused of conspiracy against the ruling Medici family in Florence. During his exile, he wrote The Prince, a political treatise offering advice on how a ruler should maintain power, which reflected his observations and experiences while working for the Medici family. Machiavelli eventually returned to Florence after the Medici family fell from power.