Jpurnal free writing - Essay Example

500566 Topic: Journal Free Writing When reading The Prince by Machiavelli I felt as though I was reading an instruction manual, which in fact, the text actually boasts of being. But this was slightly different. It was written in a very humble manner and at the same time it was very direct. Though Machiavelli says he is addressing a Prince to be, he gives off an air of being far more knowledgeable, and therefore more powerful than anyone he addresses. Or maybe that is just my own feeling while reading it because I feel a bit overwhelmed of such discussion of empires as though it was mere table talk.

But of course, for them it was. This was obviously a text for the super elite. But the thing is, over the centuries has reached every common day individual. I think that’s where The Prince’s implications become significant. Other than that, it can be considered even comic if you read it in modern day context, neglecting the way ordinary ‘subjects’ would react to constantly being treated this way. In modern times, and in modern politics, I see a lot of this happening. There are too many people who are involved in some sort of a power struggle rather than carrying out their duties.

Policies don’t seem to be made keeping majority interest in mind; rather, it feels as though self preservation is the rule. And that is a concept which is obviously not new. Machiavelli pointed it out centuries ago. I find it interesting to note how when reading it I feel like I am reading a witty political blog.