The Skill Of Running A State Essay

, Research Paper

The Skill of Running a State

Among the most widely read of the Renaissance thinkers was Niccolo Machiavelli. Born in Florence, Italy in 1469, he became a politician who retired from public service and devoted the proceeding years to writing about history, political philosophy, and even plays. His political philosophy’s concentrated on the skills required for successfully running a state. Machiavelli focused on the way things are, rather than the way things ought to be. In 1513, Machiavelli wrote his best known work, “The Prince”. The underlying theme states that a successful prince must demonstrate virtues, such as strength and skill, in favorable and adverse situations. Thus, Machiavelli proposes that a ruler must obtain a good reputation by resorting to any means necessary given the circumstances. Although, it is desirable to be both loved and feared by one’s subjects, Machiavelli declares it is far safer for the ruler to be feared. Therefore, in “The Prince”, Machiavelli argues the significance of a prince to be feared and avoid being hated by his subjects, which can be achieved through deceit and corruption, in order to maintain the stability of the state.

“The Prince” is one of the first examinations of politics and science from a purely scientific and rational perspective. Machiavelli theorizes that the state is only created if the people cooperate and work to maintain it. The state is also one of man s greatest endeavors, and the state takes precedence over everything else. The state should be one s primary focus, and maintaining the sovereignty of the state is one s most vital concern. The state is founded on the power of its military. Therefore, a strong military is vital to maintaining the state. Machiavelli believes that men respect power, but they will take advantage of kindness. He believes that when given the opportunity, one must destroy completely, because if one does not, he will certainly be destroyed. The prince should lead the military, and he has to be intelligent. An effective politician can make quick and intelligent choices about the problems that constantly arise before him. He must also have virtue, which means he is strong, confident, talented, as well as smart. A prince cannot be uncertain, because uncertainty is a sign of weakness. Fortune controls half of human s actions, and Man will control the other half. Virtue is the best defense for fortune, and virtue must be used in order to keep fortune in check. The prince must take advantage of situations based solely on if it is best for the state. He should choose his decisions based on contemporary and historical examples. A prince cannot consider whether his acts are moral or immoral, and he instead must act in an unbiased manner for the state. Moreover, it does not matter how the state achieves its goals, as long as these goals are achieved

Machiavelli further concludes that it is difficult to be loved and feared simultaneously. According to Machiavelli, the answer is that it would be desirable to be both, but since that is difficult, it is much safer to be feared than loved. The problem with being loved is that it will not necessarily keep you from getting trampled. Indeed, if people are afraid of their prince, then they will be loyal. If the people fear their ruler, than they would not even contemplate about conspiring against him. Therefore, “fear is sustained by a dread of punishment that never forsakes you”. Men will hesitate to offend a ruler that has made himself feared. It is only a natural part of human nature to not willingly contest someone that they are afraid of. Being feared and not despised is a reliable mechanism that a prince should utilize. As long as the prince abstains from confiscating his citizen’s property and women, he can best avoid being overthrown. Moreover, if it is deemed necessary to execute someone, it should follow through only if there is an obvious and just cause. For all the people will ever ask of their ruler is for him to maintain their best interests in all-important matters.

Machiavelli also explains that the sovereign must take whatever action is necessary to maintain order in society. In time this will result in the most compassionate choice too. Machiavelli explains that, Cesare Borgia, by using cruelty was able to achieve order and obedience in Romangna. This contrast with the inaction of the Florentines, who allowed internal conflict to develop in Pistoia, resulted in devastation of the city. Therefore, a number of highly visible executions can be very effective in controlling the people and preventing a major outbreak of violence and murder. Machiavelli also cites the tremendous military successes of Hannibal. Even though Hannibal led an army of different races over foreign soil, he never had any dissension because of his reputation of extreme cruelty.

Machiavelli talks consistently about the Roman Empire and its rulers. Particularly, he stresses the importance of having a strong army and popular support by the army and the people. The Roman emperors proved to us many times that a ruler who is perceived to be weak is the most vulnerable to attack. Alexander Severus was controlled by his mother and considered feminine by his troops. He was a good ruler, but it was this appearance of weakness that led his troops to kill him. Antonius Caracalla is another example of an erroneous ruler. He was a very