Machiavelli Question?

Question

Can someone give me some info on The Political theme from Machiavelli?

Answer 1

Most people are good, honest...even compassionate. This is because it is more fun (for most) to be this way. Also, we perceive that we like others who are this way and that they like us because we're this way. By extension, a great leader is someone who is even more like that than everybody else, right?

What Machiavelli is saying is that one must not take power for granted by continuing to be like most people. He's saying that you must be ruthless in terms of doing whatever is necessary to stay in power, even unsavory things. Otherwise, you will be taken down by another.

Actually, though, the theory goes even much deeper. He says you must be doing the necessary manipulative and even ruthless activities while appearing to be "lovable" to your loyal subjects. Further, one problem is that success in this duplicity may lead to one's downfall if they revel or gloat or take joy in the success of their machinations.

Ultimately, he lays a fantastic groundwork for a complex scheme of maintaining, protecting and consolidating power. That is, as long as you follow the advice of one man and one man only...Niccolo Machiavelli.

There is an entire brand of politics which is now named after him...with the term "Machiavellian." Some recent master politicians in the USA whose brand is Machiavellian are Bill Clinton (democrat) and Karl Rove (republican).

Answer 2

Machiavelli wrote "The Prince" in which he described his political theories regarding how to gain power and how to keep power. He concludes that force and deceit are the best tactics. Read "The Prince" or any off the numerous online essays for a more indepth answer.