The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli - Essay Example

Study Project: The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli Study Project: The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli Background LIFE HISTORY Niccolò Machiavelli is arguably one of the greatest Florentine writers and diplomats to date. He was born on May 3rd 1469 to the Machiavelli family. His father- Bernado Machiavelli was a renowned lawyer who unfortunately gave little attention to his prowess in the practice of law. Nevertheless, the author was brought up in a rich, relatively middle class family which derived livelihood from family property. In addition, his father was influential in political systems of Florence, and is thought to have been in close collaboration with prominent politicians. Moreover, Bernado was a renowned writer, a prospect that was later carried forward by Niccolò. Though the early life history of the author is not well understood, evidence and critical review of his works point towards a person who has undergone intensive education. It is suggested that in addition to learning Italian culture and political setups, Niccolò was well versed with historical perspectives. As such, he is projected to have studied Greek and Latin philosophies thus aiding in his later writing career. His life first came to limelight in 1494 when he was employed into the civil service to work as an accounts clerk, a job which his father is thought to have played a critical role in the assignment. He would later within the same year- 1494 lose his job following the collapse of the Medici rein which had been in place for over six decades. With the first family gone on exile, he had to realign himself and strive to get new job. Consequently, Niccolò found himself working as a second chancellor. In this new assignment, he was mandated with negotiating foreign policies and relations, and also aiding in fostering diplomacy among different governments. This enabled him to traverse various kingdoms including Spain, France, and Italy through diplomatic missions. Between 1502 and 1503, Machiavelli worked closely with the family of the pope of Italy. This enabled him to interact with the pope Alexander IV’s son who was a cruel commander committed to expanding the Roman Kingdom. Niccolò later took charge of coordinating the Florentine army. In 1512, the Medici family regained grip over Florentine leadership marking the end of Florentine republic. The author was consequently arrested and tortured. Following his release from prison, he tried tirelessly to regain his political relevance, but was, unfortunately, unable to live up to his political dream (CliffsNotes, 2014). WRITING CAREER Niccolò Machiavelli is a renowned play and novel writer who began his writing career in the late 15th century, producing majority of his writings between 1499 and 1524. Most of his works were politically focused biographies, social histories and plays. He turned to intensive writing following collapse of his political career, which he was apparently striving to revive. His first work of art produced in 1499 was titled Discorso sopra le cose di Pisa, translated as ‘Discourse on Pisa’. In 1502, he produced Discourse about Provision of Money and ‘On the way to deal with rebel subjects of Valdichiana’. Through writing, he was able to communicate across his many themes. He was also able to produce political analyses such as Portrait of Affairs of Germany (1508-1512) and Portrait Affairs of France (1510). In 1513, Niccolò produced his writing Il Principe translated as The Prince, which is deemed as an appeal to be accepted back into political systems (CliffsNotes, 2014).The work was, however, only published following his death. Due to his writing prowess, he was contacted by the leadership to write the Florentine history (1520-1524). His other works include The Art of War (1519- 1520) and Life of Castruccio Castraccani (1520). Machiavelli’s prosperous but rather mixed fortune writing career eventually came to an ultimate end when he died on the 21st June 1527 in San Casciano close to Florence. Literature Summary ‘The Prince’ was written in 1514 but published in 1532, five years following the death of the author. The writing II Principe is deemed the breakthrough writing by Niccolò. The work which takes the format of a letter is addressed to Lorenzo as a guide to administrative obligations. It entails how a prince can establish and manage a strong government. The book which is divided into twenty six chapters outlines the process of being a prince, and consequently developing a strong government. The process as outlined begins with keen identification of the ideal kingdom to be overthrown. This requires one to have a well organised and coordinated own army, able to follow and obey the commands of the master. The process also involves careful elimination of persons who come on the way. This also involves strategies to keep the conquered kingdom secure by killing any person as powerful as you. This aids in weakening the neighbours preventing possible challenge to superiority. However, the book stresses on principle of friendliness to neighbours to ensure they don’t oppose the governance. Moreover, protection of neighbours at times of need is ideal (SparkNotes, 2014). In the writing, the author identifies that there are two types of governments or states. These include the republics and princedoms. It further notes that princedoms can be of two ideal forms. Firstly, a kingdom can be of pre- existent hereditary forms. In this aspect, the leadership system is passed down descendants’ linage. This denies other personalities chances of leading the kingdom, except those from the correct political linage. The second prospect, however, involves development of new kingdoms. This development leads to rise of new political leaders with desire to foster development and political governance. Indeed, this new system produces consequently leads to collapse of old leadership and requires organised and effectively oriented strategies (SparkNotes, 2014). While the first hereditary and kingdom system is easier to manage and maintain, the second form- development of a new kingdom exhibits its own challenges. The newly established kingdoms are difficult to maintain as compared to the hereditary forms. As a result, it is ideal for the probable prince to take maximal care and precaution prior to venturing into conquest. It is ideal to conquer a kingdom easier to maintain. Such kingdoms include persons with same language and social aspirations as the prince. In fact, application of this principle enabled Turk to take over the governance of the Greek. The book further reveals that optimal caution needs to be observed by prince who rises to power through conquest, since people are often ready and willing to change their leaders, unless they are well catered for. To win over the trust and support of such subjects, it becomes necessary for the leader to maintain a good working relationship with the subjects and neighbours (Machiavelli, 1952). This means that the leader should protect the subjects and neighbours. This prevents conquest of the weaker neighbours by other rival princedoms. However, the prince should not make a mistake of empowering the neighbours since stronger neighbours could spell constant political wrangles which could derail establishment and hence development of the princedom. It is also not ideal to weaken the neighbours since they are probable supporters at times of strain or conflicts. Neither is it proper to strengthen them as that would be comparable to undermining self success. Besides, Niccolò asserts that the prince should be critical of strangers within the kingdom since they are likely to be spies sent to collect security information that could eventually lead to the collapse of the kingdom. As n example, the author cites the rise the Roman Empire as a classical case scenario. Further, humbling the mighty and great within the society is cited as a possible way of preventing opposition. Despite advising the leader to be war oriented, Machiavelli stresses on the need to listen to ones close advisers, such as ministers, with constructive views (Machiavelli, 1952). Nevertheless, he warns that strict observation of the outlined Machiavelli principles is a guarantee to success, unless failure results through bad luck. Author’s Analysis ROLE OF HISTORY IN WRITINGS Niccolò Machiavelli was brought up in a middle class family. In his early life, he experienced unwavering peace and support both from his family and peer. His early life outlines cohesive Florentine governance which was at the centre of dynamic external political influences. The author was well educated and was, consequently, conversant with historical perspectives of Florence and neighbouring empires. He was, as well, employed in various departments, both governmental and nongovernmental. Through his development process, the author experiences vast political realignments within Florence, experiences that would later define his writing career. For instance, his first job in public service was met with the expulsion of the Medici family which had apparently been in power for over sixty years. The expulsion was followed with the establishment of the over-zealous Dominican leadership. Consequently, Niccolò lost his first civil service job, before bouncing back into the political limelight in ambassadorial position. In this new obligation, Machiavelli was able to traverse various kingdoms including Italy, France and Spain. In this period, he observed that different leaderships were employing different strategies to govern their people. While some of the strategies were effective, the author admits that certain leadership alignments were more susceptible to opposition, revolution and failure. His political experience was further fostered during his administration as the head of coordination and reorganization of the Florentine army, a role he was expelled from when the Medici family recaptured the leadership of Florence. ANALYSIS OF POINT OF VIEW In writing The Prince, the author’s views are greatly influenced by his desire to bounce back into the political limelight. His ideology is greatly influenced by his prior political experience which enabled him to closely interact with different leadership forms. He focuses the book towards winning back the hearts of those in leadership. Analytically, his mindset in producing the work advises on ideal leadership forms that could help those in power to keep opposition, and hence revolution in check. His view on the need for cruelty and continued focus results from his close interaction with Borgia, a leader who possessed the aforementioned attributes. In addition, Borgia was cunning but was, nevertheless, despised by many. As a result, he lost his leadership, and went into exile where he eventually died. Therefore, II Principe is aimed at enlightening leaders on the need for maintaining unwavering focus on their obligations. It also advises on the need of gaining popularity among neighbours. Finally, it dwells on the need for a well coordinated and organised army as opposed to dependence on mercenaries. While many pundits have Machiavelli as a manipulative personality committed to deceiving leaders into adopting ruthless administration, his other works prove otherwise regarding his personality. Indeed, he comes out as an advocate for all-inclusive participation and democracy. As such, it is obvious that his writing, The Prince, which was a dedication to the Florentine leadership was based on practicality of social issues rather than abject philosophical perspectives. While humanity advocates for ethics in leadership, II Principe categorically notes that ethics and politics cannot work hand in hand, and also focuses on free will as opposed to divine interventions which were common in ancient governmental systems. CHARACTERS AND CHARACTER INTERACTIONS The story is outlined through the eyes of the author, Niccolò Machiavelli, giving a complete account of experiences of the author. He interacts with many leaders some of whom he credits for leadership prowess. Outstanding of the characters is Cesare Borgia, son of Pope Alexander VI. Borgia’s father is credited for his ability to counter French invasion of Italy, and his ability to curb war between France and Spain. Niccolò is, nevertheless, attracted more to his son- Borgia, the Duke of Romagna. The author notes that soon after being assigned to lead, Borgia began to realign and strengthen his princedom. He employed various strategies to secure the region even though he was later overthrown following the death of his father. in a similar fashion, Machiavelli discusses the success of Julius II in securing and expanding the church. He attributes the achievement to vicious leadership and commendable diplomatic relations. Such relations enabled the pope to be at peace with neighbours, and hence easily enter into treaties aimed protecting the empire from external invasion. The Prince also examines characters that were complete contrast of the Borgia mentality. These believed in the deployment of mercenaries to aid in war. However, such auxiliary troops show minimal allegiance to the prince, maintaining accountability to their home state. This places the princedom in an awkward position should a war erupt between the two states, creating need for localised troops. As an example, the author cites the strong states of France and Spain as ideal manifestations of the power of organised local army (SparkNotes, 2014). The author also focuses on the Medici family, the leaders of the Florentine state. In fact, the writing II Principe is a dedication to the family to develop an inclusive government that would consequently allow the Machiavelli back into the government. Also, he advises the royal family on possible ways of protecting the region from external invasion in traditional times when inter-kingdom wars were common. Also prominently exhibited in the writing is the attempt by Niccolò to help in development of governments that are sensitive to public needs to prevent complaints among subjects. He, as well, stresses on the need for the Medici family to listen to constructive advisers such as Leo X, and shun retrogressive advices that could easily derail their reign. In summary, the author is able to use character interactions and personalities, and their eventual fates to bolster his claims and, hence, create a sense of urgency in acting on the Machiavellian proposals. GENRE AND THEMATIC CONCERNS The writer focuses in politics and leadership in most of his works, including II Principe. As such he is able to develop and pass across themes of patriotism and open governance. He also focuses on the need for civil considerations in his other works. In The Prince, however, he deviates from the normal course of thematic appeals, probably due to his attempt to appeal to the leadership. Throughout the book, Niccolò redefines warfare in an absolutely new perspective. He champions the need for a well organised militia which he thinks is a direct reflection of credible laws. According to him, war is a necessity in developing a strong government (Holler, 2009). The book also focuses on the theme of regulated humanity. In this aspect, Machiavelli warns against extreme cruelty and humanity in equal measures. He notes that stringent governance could cause hatred from one’s subjects. As such, it is necessary to avoid vices that may develop negative publicity. Moreover, II Principe advocates for belief in free will as opposed to divine intervention which was common in traditional leadership systems. Finally, the author focuses on the theme of continued focus. He notes that such focus would enable one to develop foresight and determine possible occurrences long before they are experienced. MOOD AND TONE ANALYSIS Throughout his writing, the author employs diverse tone and mood to attract political attention and sympathy. The story is based on a miserable mood of a person who has just fallen from grace to grass. It is clear that following the re-establishment of the Medici rule, Niccolò is arrested and tortured, and consequently ends up leading a miserable lowly life. Through his appealing tone, he tries to reach out to Lorenzo di Medici to help in re-establishment of the Florentine administration. In a rather direct and plain manner, the author coolly and analytically journeys through his leadership and political experiences. Using a rather warning tone, Machiavelli tries to help the leadership avoid similar fates. He gives examples of governments that collapsed such as the rule of Borgia as classical examples to the case. He further highlights governance problems in Italy, Spain and France as results of failure to adhere to the Machiavellian principles. The author concludes his writing with desperate attempts to win pity from the government. He openly and desperately describes his humble unfortunate state. It therefore becomes apparent that the author wills to see the Machiavelli back in government. This attempt propels him into sycophancy, praising oppressive leadership while at the same time undermining personal relevance and worthiness. In summary, the life history and experience of Niccolò Machiavelli is a true manifestation of how fast changes can occur in political alignments. As such, it is necessary for leaders to establish clear strategies to ensure continued success. These include ensuring public satisfaction and support, which are guarantees to success. However, it would be wrong to concur with the writer when he advocates for elimination of prominent and ambitious persons in the society. This does not concur with the current societal setups in which dynamic mindset, continued innovation and ambition is a key driver to attaining better co-existence. Nevertheless, partial application of the Machiavellian laws of leadership outlined in The Prince can be essential in establishing stable governments, free of oppositions and constant uprisings as experienced in Middle East and Africa (Mansfield, 2013). References CliffsNotes. (2014). Niccolò Machiavelli biography. Cliffsnotes.com. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Retrieved from: http://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/p/the-prince/niccolxf2-machiavelli-biography Holler, M. (2009). Niccolò Machiavelli on power. RMM-Journal, 0, 335-354. Retrieved from: http://www.rmm-journal.de/ Machiavelli, N. (1952). The Prince, New York. Mentor Books Mansfield, H. (2013). Birth of the modern. WSJ. Retrieved from http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887323949904578537112151824302 SparkNotes. (2014). Philosophy study guides - SparkNotes. Sparknotes.com. Retrieved from http://www.sparknotes.com/philosophy/prince.html (add your work book as a reference) Read More