I don't admire Niccolo Machiavelli in the way that some leaders and politicians obviously do. I do, however, appreciate the truth that Machiavelli tells us about the nature of leaders. By giving examples of his time (Renaissance Italy) we are able to see how powerful people today still operate. People like to throw around some of Machiavelli's philosophy as sound governing principle. I see the value in his writing as a lesson in actions that are most effective to manipulate the masses.
Here are some examples from Machiavelli's The Prince:
On Generosity and Miserliness
I say it would be good to be considered generous; nevertheless, generosity used in such a manner as to give you a reputation for it will harm you; because if it is employed virtuously and as one should employ it, it will not be recognized and you will not avoid the reproach of its opposite.
On Cruelty and Mercy and Whether It Is Better to Be Loved than to Be Feared or the Contrary
And men are less hesitant about harming someone who makes himself loved than one who makes himself feared because love is held together by a chain of obligation which, since men are a sorry lot, is broken on every occasion in which their own self-interest is concerned; but fear is held together by a dread of punishment which will never abandon you.
How a Prince Should Keep His Word
A wise ruler, therefore, cannot and should not keep his word when such an observance of faith would be to his disadvantage and when the reasons which made him promise are removed. And if men were all good, this rule would not be good; but since men are a sorry lot and will not keep their promises to you, you likewise need not keep yours to them. A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promises.
But it is necessary to know how to disguise this nature well and to be a great hypocrite and a liar; and men are so simpleminded and so controlled by their present necessities that one who deceives will always find another who will allow himself to be deceived.
No comments:
Post a Comment