What do you think of Niccolo Machiavelli?

Question

Would you follow his philosophy?

Answer 1

I find it truly amazing how many people completely misunderstand Machiavelli's ideas or take just one of his ideas and try to represent them as a whole. And the one his is most known for is the idea that it is better to be feared than loved - one which seems ruthless and vicious.

But let's look at another sample from the very same chapter that the aforementioned famous quote comes from:

"I say that every prince ought to desire to be considered clement and not cruel. ... a prince, so long as he keeps his subjects united and loyal, ought not to mind the reproach of cruelty; because with a few examples he will be more merciful than those who, through too much mercy, allow disorders to arise, from which follow murders or robberies; for these are wont to injure the whole people, whilst those executions which originate with a prince offend the individual only. "

Here we see that Machivelli is pointing out what just about every good parent knows: sometimes you have to do harsh things to ensure the greater good. This isn't about some kind of ruthless power grab, but helping out EVERYBODY.

Nor is it an aberration. In the rest of 'The Prince', he points out that it is better to side with the common people than the nobility, that it is a bad idea to keep a bunch of mercenaries around, and even his famous quote is taken badly out of context (a few sentances earlier he says that IDEALLY you would be loved by your allies and feared by your enemies).

All in all, I personally find most of Machievelli's ideas to be pretty good ones. And don't take my word for it - I encourage you to actually read and find out about them for youself rather than believing the second-hand garbage that is all too common.

Peace.

Answer 2

The Prince can be thought of Nietzsche’s Uberman (willing into existence power) with a tactical outline similar Sun Tzu. The Price was the blueprint for keeping the power for the head of state, but the rational could be used for anyone. I consider it to be a great document as a precursor to social contract as well as a great precursor to the “self help” books we have today. I am the Prince.

Answer 3

He uses logic very well. He uses it at the expense of emotion- unless it is to exploit anothers' emotions. His philosophy is very valid and usefull. It also goes against the common good which a social animal like Humanity thrives on.

If you're an athiest bent on self-advancement, it's perfect.
If you're a kind, loving, helpful person, it's evil.

Answer 4

Plays a mean game of backgammon.

Answer 5

no way. he uses power to justify violence.

for example, build up your army and fight for everything.

in his opinion, moral circumstances must yield to power, and that a leader must do anything to maintain said power. he also prefers being feared over being loved.

it is immoral and unjust.

Answer 6

"You sure you got the right man beside the right name?"