Machiavelli's ideal for human behavior in "The Prince" emphasizes power, ruthlessness, and deceit for political success, while Erasmus advocates for virtues like kindness and honesty in "The Praise of Folly." Machiavelli believes that leaders should prioritize effectiveness over morality, whereas Erasmus promotes a more ethical and humanistic approach to governance. This fundamental difference in their philosophies reflects contrasting views on leadership and human nature.
Erasmus. Both Machiavelli and Erasmus had significant influences on Renaissance politics through their writings. Machiavelli's "The Prince" emphasized the pragmatic and ruthless nature of politics, while Erasmus promoted the values of peace, tolerance, and humanistic education.
Machiavelli judges the personal behavior of a prince based on whether it helps him maintain power and stability in his state. He emphasizes that a prince should prioritize the greater good of his state over personal morality or ethics.
Machiavelli lived from 1469 to 1527 (58 years). He was the Itallian author of The Prince. A main theme of The Prince is that the ends justify the means. Machiavelli so effectively demonstrated this in his book that such behavior has come to be called Machiavellian. So, while Nicolo Machiavelli does not appear in the Bible, what has come to be known as Machiavellian behavior can be seen in stories from the Bible.
Erasmus
Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli
Niccolo Machiavelli wrote The Prince.
The Prince is an explanation of why the majority is ruled by the minority.
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Niccolo Machiavelli was the author of the political classic The Prince.
Most famously, "The Prince."