2007-01-24 09:49:08 · 5 answers · asked by Jmusic 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
Better to be feared then loved
Admire the Ancients
Public and Private life should be totally seperate
..... to name a few
2007-01-24 09:55:17 · answer #1 · answered by B S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, BS and Mr. Curious are both correct. However, the question is not the theme of the book, but rather the advice that Machiavelli gives to rulers.
Some more advice B S didn’t give:
Military knowledge is one of the most important qualities a prince can have.
Use of mercenaries is to be avoided. They are disunited, ambitious, without discipline, unfaithful. They have fear of God and hold no faith with men. Use native militia instead.
If you have to execute someone, don’t also confiscate his estate; a man will sooner forget the execution of his father than he will the loss of his patrimony (his inheritance).
Stay away from flatterers.
It’s better to be both loved and feared, however that is very difficult. Between the two, it’s better to be feared, though not hated, than to be loved.
Scheme to get a good reputation.
Be a true friend and a true enemy.
Don’t take your citizens’ and subjects’ women or possessions.
Don’t be liberal with your money, you’ll just have to tax harder and you’ll lose the support of your citizens.
See the sites below. The first gives the historical background and a summary of The Prince. The second is where you can download an English translation of the book.
Also, for Mr. Curious, you don't have to be rude when you disagree with someone.
2007-01-24 10:51:19 · answer #2 · answered by Peaches 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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Machiavelli was undoubtedly a genius and his book makes great points about what makes a great ruler. That being said, I think this was one of the few times he was wrong in that book. Smart people are the ones who should advise a king in matters he is not well-equipped for. On another note, this passage could also be interpreted as playing to the stupid in order to be popular. In which case, he is clearly right.
2016-04-01 09:02:06 · answer #3 · answered by Debra 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If BS got a 96 in that class his teacher must be a moron. He is wrong.
The theme of Machiavelli's "The Prince" is that it doesn't matter HOW you accomplish your goal so long as you accomplish it. It is known today as Machiavellian Diplomacy when you lie, cheat, or steal to get your way.
THAT is the correct answer from a real historian: me.
2007-01-24 10:02:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
? is right
2014-09-30 07:39:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋