Machiavelli1 Essay Example For Students

Machiavelli1 Essay I would rather be in hell and converse with great minds than live in paradise with that dull rabble. In his lifes writings, Niccolo Machiavelli, sought out the strength of the human character, and wrote according to his own rules; trying to better the political philosophy of his time. Machiavelli, a fiercely independent Renaissance man, advocated the prosperity of Italian politics, and wanted Italy to rise above the rest of the world. Machiavellis writings dealt with many issues that had not been attacked in his time, and utilized his distinct brand of political philosophy to try and change the politics and government that shaped his era. The Prince, regarded as his most controversial and successful work, spelled out a method of amelioration; whether positive or negative, virtuous or severe, a prince was to uphold the strength of a nation and a government. The next few pages will take a closer look at the life that has followed Niccolo Machiavelli, the use of historical allusions and the explicitness used in The Prince. Niccolo Machiavelli was born in Florence, Italy on May 3rd of 1469. Many changes were taking place faster at this time than the masses could follow. The Renaissance was changing the world. Machiavelli had been born during time of change and subsequently shaped who he was and what he was going to do. Although Italy was the center of the Renaissance, characterized by rebirth of learning and culture, it didnt have a central government. Italy was divided up into 4 large city-states that were unfortunately not in control of themselves. They were under the constant mercy of the other more politically stable European governments, which had a central government that unified the nation and solidified the masses in times of war. Florence was controlled by the Medici family, who had been in power for around 50 years (Ridolfi, Roberto, p.5). Piero de Medici died the same year that Machiavelli was born and his son Lorenzo took over where his father left off (Ridolfi, Roberto p.6). The next years of Machiavellis life included many dramatic experiences that altered the way that he viewed government. The Medici family was overthrown, and the power of the government changed hands when the French, lead by Louis XII invaded Italy (The Prince p. viii). Through decisions made by the Church and Pope Julius II, the Medici family came back to restore order and take up where they left off. It was through these actions that Machiavelli was viewed as unfit for any type of political position and was forced into exile. The Prince, written in 1513, was started during this time of expulsion in order to once again become in the good graces of the Medici family. Unfortunately, that wouldnt happen and he wouldnt return to Florence until 1526, only to die a year later in 1527. Throughout Machiavellis career, he was exposed to a variety of politics; politics of the church, of the Medici family, and politics to stay alive. He had to leave Florence and retire to his country home in San Casciano in order to save his life for his conspiring with the Boscoli-Capponi anti Medicean plot, and recognizing that military (Ruffo-Fiore, Silvia p.v). Machiavellis intentions were always in favor of uniting Italy, but his ideas and actions werent always seen in that light. He was tortured for conspiracy from this act (Ruffo-Fiore, Silvia, p.v). In the spirit of his controversial life, Machiavellis death engaged marked hostility as well. The Prince was published in 1532 and the many people that read it were taken aback by it. They thought Machiavelli advocated, more or less, a tyrant to control the nation; a prince that was heartless, evil, was disinterested in the good of anything, except himself. This lead to the term Machiavellian, which is equivalent to a corrupt government. By a quirk of history, Machiavellisname has come to be associated with acertain kind of political behaviour, according to which rulers and politiciansdisregarding moral rules and conscience,or with a devilish and manipulative cunning, which is something else againIn 1997, rapper Tupac Shakur, released the album titled Makaveli which came out shortly before he had been killed (www.tupac.com). The connection to Niccolo Machiavelli comes from what his name is associated with, (www.tupacshakur.com) the powerful man that he advocated in The Prince, and also the misunderstanding that he faked his death to gain power. The rumor created by this album and the subculture that has followed, has misinterpreted Machiavellis name once again, and misconstrued his political theories. Machiavellis intention of a strong and dominant leader has been transformed by this subculture brought on Tupac Shakurs album Makaveli, and the rumor of faking his apparent death; something that Machiavelli never instig ated (http://wwww.magna.com.au/chrisn/death.htm). Spelling and Differently - Analysis EssayThroughout The Prince, Machiavelli gives many orders for a prince to imitate based on personal experience and knowledge gathered from his time spent involved with politics and government. In chapter XIV titled That Which Concerns a Prince on the Subject of War Machiavelli explains that the most important aspect of the omnipotent rule that a Prince should posses is war (The Prince, p.79). Machiavelli witnessed the art of war and through his dealings, he expresses whole-heartedly the importance of war to a prince. A Prince ought to have no other aim thought, nor select anything else for hisstudy, than war and its rules and discipline;for this is the sole are that belongs tohim that who rules, and it is such a forcethat it not only upholds those who are bornprinces, but it often enables men to risefrom a private station to the rank. And on the contrary, it is seen that when princes have thought more of ease thanMachiavelli successfully shows the importance of a prince to have the ability to study the art of war. In his time, states and governments were lost due to the inadequacies of the rulers that had power. Italy was the perfect example of a government that had these troubles. Niccolo Machiavellis life was full of obstacles and asperity. In his life he dreamed of a unified Italy, and one man, a prince, to achieve his goals. He was a master of politics, and a philosopher that preached towards the empowerment of government. Unfortunately his intentions remain clouded and this fuels the uncertainty that follows his name. Along with his inspiring work on politics and governments, he wrote satirical plays and also wrote poetry. Although, for good or bad, he will always be remembered for the work he accomplished with The Prince. The way that Machiavelli compared and contrasted forms of governments with historical events supplemented The Prince, so that it was so much more then an outline, but a guide of measures to be followed, characteristics to be filled, and the fashion that a strong man, a prince should rule. Machiavelli did not edit or hold back the virtues that a prince should posses. It was explicit, and it gave meaning to the abilities of authority that a prince had to rule with. It justified cruel actions that a prince should be capable of and willing to utilize in the times of need. Machiavellis reputation isnt one of peace, love and goodwill to man. Machiavelli wasnt worried about this reputation. He worried about great men and the minds and ideas that they could create. Despite the challenges he faced, he would rather be in hell and converse with great minds than live in paradise with that dull rabble.Bibliography:Works SitedRidolfi, Roberto. The Life of Niccolo Machiavelli. Chicago, IL: The University of Chicago Press, 1963 Parel, Anthony. The Machiavellian Cosmos. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1992 Ruffo-Fiore, Silvia. Niccolo Machiavelli. Boston, MA: Twayne Publishers, 1982Strauss, Leo. Thoughts on Machiavelli. Glencoe, IL: The Free Press, 1958Machiavelli, Niccolo. The Prince. Great Britain: J.M. Dent and Sons LTD, 1958Tupac Web Sites: (www.magna.com.au/chrisn/death.htm) #s 6, 56, 57. (wwww.tupacshakur.com) (wwww.tupac.com)