Machiavelli: Socioeconomic Classes

In the sixteenth century, there were three sets of socioeconomic statuses that one could acquire or be a part of, the clergy, the nobility, and the peasantry. The divide between these three generalized classes was far more complicated in reality that it initially seems, as socioeconomic classes consist of multiple branches. Nonetheless, it all essentially came down to two undeniable factions, the oppressors and the oppressed. Niccolo Machiavelli, being a mixture of the two due to his living condition while writing the book, gained a middle-ground which allowed him to achieve omnipotent intelligence that so many rulers normally lack, first hand experience of what it like to live both lives, one as a peasant and the other as a nobleman. This …show more content…
to comprehend fully the nature of the people, one must be a prince, and to comprehend fully the nature of the princes, one must be an ordinary citizen.” (pg. 4). In stating so, he implies that he knows best, which may not be entirely false, as throughout the book he has managed to present arguments and counterarguments supporting his idea that there is such a thing as a necessary evil, yet that doesn’t mean one should be a ruthless king. This book is a selfish, deceitful and pessimistic guide on how to get and maintain a position of power, yet it should be noted that most of the examples presented are an invocation of a previously prevailing system, not his invention. Machiavelli’s “The Prince” is ultimately a handbook for those who aspire to gain political stability in the sixteenth century, therefore, Machiavelli is neither the devil incarnated nor immoral, he is indeed the messenger of a harsh …show more content…
Being a successful leader also means being able to anticipate trouble even when everything seems fine, and this forethought is what so many fail to consider. Using Italian rulers as an example of why Italian princes have lost their estates, Machiavelli writes, “ Their own indolence was to blame because having never imagined when times were quiet they they could change (and this is a common failing of mankind, never to anticipate a storm when the sea is calm), when adversity came their first thoughts were of flight and not of resistance. (page 78). A successful prince needs to be skilled in the art of war, but Machiavelli would agree that this skill is very useful for affairs aside international ones, such as domestic affairs. At one point or another a leader is faced with an arduous decision that involves hurting a part of the population. Machiavelli realizes that there is no realistic way of governing a group of people and keeping them all content at the same time, therefore a prince must systematically make tough decisions, keeping the majority content as the minority can not overthrow once you've taken everything they have. It may seem immoral to hurt the minority simply because they can not rebel, however, it makes much more sense than causing hurt upon the