Essay on Machiavellis Advice to Republics - 570 Words

Machiavellis Advice to Republics In secular democracies, power is necessarily derived from the will of the governed. That power is then entrusted to a leader, who Machiavelli would understand to be a prince. Inherently, his book, The Prince, has been close at hand for most politicians for centuries, as it provides general, historically proven advice for principalities and republics on how to govern and maintain relations with their most important resource and the very core of their power, which would be the people themselves. Machiavellis realization of the penultimate import of the people is probably most significant reason his book holds so much influence on realpolitik. He writes, it is essential for a prince to possess†¦show more content†¦This is not to say, however, that Machiavelli intended the prince to be indulgent and benevolent to the people, he says quite clearly in Chapter 17, #8230;it is much more safe to be feared than loved, when you have to choose between the two#8230; Machiavellis reasoning was that an excess of clemency towards the subjects when they do something wrong would lead to widespread crime, hurting the whole community. Therefore, being cruel and severe to those who deserve it would allow for the greatest utility (Chapter 17). This view on how to maintain relations with the populace is both logical and realistic. However, Machiavelli draws a clear distinction between being feared and hated. He writes, A prince must make himself feared in such a manner that #8230; he shall at least not incur their hatred, for being the feared, and not hated, can go very well together, (Chapter 17). The way that a ruler can earn his subjects hatred, says Machiavelli, is if he steals or harms their property. Therefore, by being severe and cruel in his punishments he inspires fear. In being feared, the prince further secures his empowerment, for none of his subjects dare to attempt to take it from him. More advice given to the prince by Machiavelli was on general good governance, meaning how to rule, all supported by historical examples. He writes, #8230;the prince will avail himself of the occasion#8230; to secure himself, with less consideration forShow MoreRelatedSummary On Niccolo Machiavelli s The Prince 1109 Words   |  5 PagesChastity Kolmorgan History 111 The World: Antiquity-1500 Dr. Christopher Levesque Primary Secondary Source Evaluation Assignment - April 19, 2015 Niccolà ² Machiavelli’s The Prince and Ian Johnston’s Lecture on Machiavelli’s The Prince Niccolà ² Machiavelli, a Florentine, lived between the years of 1469-1527. 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