An exegetical review of Machiavelli's The Prince - Essay Example

In this regard, as this essay will argue, Machiavelli sees fortune as a force, that plays a large part in the life of a prince as well as his subjects, both as an obstacle that must be defeated, and as an aid that must be utilized to its full potential. True to his times, where a ruler's power is determined by the size of his territory and his ability to conquer others, Machiavelli identifies the means by which territories are acquired "either by the arms of the prince himself, or of others, or else by fortune or by ability" (14).

While he recognizes the fact that all the aforementioned means will face difficulties in governing, he distinguishes dominions acquired through good fortune as the one challenged with most difficulties. He writes "it is clear that one or other of these things will mitigate in some degree many difficulties. Nevertheless, he who has relied least on fortune is established the strongest" (28). Hence, he cautions those who gain power through fortune alone because such means to power, he argues, are established through "inconstant and unstable things" (30), because while "they have not any difficulties on the way up, because they fly, but they have many when they reach the summit" (30).

Thus, he stresses the importance of abilities, such that, once princes are in power, "unless they are men of great worth and ability, [], they cannot hold [power] because they have not forces which they can keep friendly and faithful" (30). Based on this statement, Machiavelli therefore emphasis on the notion of legitimacy, which would be difficult to attain if power is acquired through fortune. Politics, as he illustrated requires rulers to possess certain abilities, which are imperative to remain in power.

Thus, Machiavelli presents his attempt to criticize those who gain power through fortune, but does not have the ability to wield it. From Machiavelli's insights, however, he does not limit the impact of fortune in political affairs through those who acquire dominions and power by virtue of fortune alone. In addition, he argues that even those with the ability to rule are vulnerable to fortune, presenting the example of Cesare Borgia who "notwithstanding that he had taken every measure and done all that ought to be done by a wise and able man," (29) still failed due to circumstances "that was not his fault, but the extraordinary and extreme malignity of fortune" (32).

Thus, Machiavelli uses Borgia's case in two ways. First, he illustrates how Borgia is an example whose actions should be followed by other princes who acquire power through fortune by virtue of his abilities in doing everything right (34). On the other hand, he was also used to illustrate how despite having done everything right rulers, regardless of their abilities, are still vulnerable to the unpredictability of fortune. This example reflects Machiavelli's statement in the beginning of his book where fortune can bestow greatness and strike malice.

Interestingly, Machiavelli writes, "fortune, [] when she desires to make a new prince great [] causes enemies to arise and form against him, in order that he may have the opportunity of overcoming them, [] so that, having crushed it, his renown may rise higher" (76). Thus, he stresses how fortune, despite the difficulties it pose on individuals can be turned into an opportunity for greatness, provided that he has the ability to do so. If Machiavelli believes that fortune