Are the Political Ideas of Machiavelli Still Relevant in Today's World?
Bridget Moran
Hum2230
Are the Political Ideas of Machiavelli still relevant in Today’s World?
Niccolo Machiavelli was born on May 3, 1469 in Florence. Machiavelli was considered one of the most controversial political philosophers of his time. Machiavelli began working in the Florence government at a young age, employed as a clerk and later as an ambassador to the “Holy Roman Emperor Maximilan, the King of France and Pope Julius II.” Throughout his employment with the government of Florence, Machiavelli began noticing the effects that one person had over an entire country. In 1513 Machiavelli wrote what would be one of his most renowned works “The Prince,” in which Machiavelli expresses his political ideas of ruling a country. Some would say that Machiavelli’s ideas are still relevant in today’s government. Machiavelli’s book “The Prince,” deal with the political struggles of the Italian cities at a time when they were being ruled by ruthless leaders and power struggles. “The Prince is considered a guide book to how leaders can gain and keep the power in government.” In his book, Machiavelli urges leaders to use whatever means necessary to retain their political power. Even if it meant that the leader had to be ruthless, calculating and not swayed by morality. Machiavelli didn’t base his books on high ideas, but more on the reality of what he saw around him, while working in the government office. Machiavelli’s gives an example of a lion and a fox that states a leader “must imitate a lion in his fierceness, but he must also act like a fox to outsmart his enemies.” Other political ideas that Machiavelli stated is how a leader should appear to those listening and seeing him. He states that “a leader is often forced to act in defiance of good faith, of charity, of kindness and of religion, in order to maintain his government.” Machiavelli’s ideas are still being used in today’s government. In today’s society, it has been known that
Hum2230
Are the Political Ideas of Machiavelli still relevant in Today’s World?
Niccolo Machiavelli was born on May 3, 1469 in Florence. Machiavelli was considered one of the most controversial political philosophers of his time. Machiavelli began working in the Florence government at a young age, employed as a clerk and later as an ambassador to the “Holy Roman Emperor Maximilan, the King of France and Pope Julius II.” Throughout his employment with the government of Florence, Machiavelli began noticing the effects that one person had over an entire country. In 1513 Machiavelli wrote what would be one of his most renowned works “The Prince,” in which Machiavelli expresses his political ideas of ruling a country. Some would say that Machiavelli’s ideas are still relevant in today’s government. Machiavelli’s book “The Prince,” deal with the political struggles of the Italian cities at a time when they were being ruled by ruthless leaders and power struggles. “The Prince is considered a guide book to how leaders can gain and keep the power in government.” In his book, Machiavelli urges leaders to use whatever means necessary to retain their political power. Even if it meant that the leader had to be ruthless, calculating and not swayed by morality. Machiavelli didn’t base his books on high ideas, but more on the reality of what he saw around him, while working in the government office. Machiavelli’s gives an example of a lion and a fox that states a leader “must imitate a lion in his fierceness, but he must also act like a fox to outsmart his enemies.” Other political ideas that Machiavelli stated is how a leader should appear to those listening and seeing him. He states that “a leader is often forced to act in defiance of good faith, of charity, of kindness and of religion, in order to maintain his government.” Machiavelli’s ideas are still being used in today’s government. In today’s society, it has been known that
Bibliography: * Benton, Janetta Rebold and DiYanni, Robert (3rd Ed), Arts and Culture: An Introduction to the Humanities. New Jersey, 2008. * Fiero, Gloria K. (5th Ed), The Humanistic Tradition, (Vol. 3). New York, 2006. Internet Resource * Erb, Scott. "Machiavelli and Power Politics." Paper presented at the University of Maine at Farmington, October 26, 2005. URL: http://hua.umf.maine.edu/Reading_Revolutions/index.html