Euro-Civilization - Article Example

Euro-Civilization Introduction Machiavelli’s The Prince is considered as yet the best and the most appropriate basis for rulers of the ancient as well as the modern society. Critics of the traditional and modern society would refer to the book as if it speaks of the best treatise that a ruler should adapt in order to become a great leader. Although it was viewed as such by the European society, the book remained to be the most controversial in reference to ruling over a society. The book talks about power and the necessary steps in maintaining that power. (http://www.loyno.edu/~seduffy/renaissance.html, Nov. 7, 2006) These principles have become insightful and meaningful political policies in the 16th century onwards in the European society. (http://www.123helpme.com/view.asp?id=23518, Nov. 7, 2006) Machiavelli has been able to point out several traditional and modern values that he considers as essential strategies upon ruling the European society. The Modern European society and The Prince Although Machiavelli did not state directly how some European societies had failed in ruling them, he had specifically implied the thought through several examples that were presented in the book. But, The Prince did not, nevertheless, forget to point out those rulers who were worthy of praise in delivering the best principalities to its people. As each ruler change, the challenges that he faces also changes. The more that the society looks forward to modernization, the more that the ruler meets a challenging and a more demanding society. Moreover, the challenges and his reactions to these challenges at the same time depend upon how he acquired the principality. Therefore, the newer the ruler becomes, the more difficult are the problems that he faces. “I say, then, that in hereditary states accustomed to the rule of their princes family there are far fewer difficulties in maintaining them than in new states; for it suffices simply not to break ancient customs, and then to suit ones actions to unexpected events; in this manner, if such a prince is of ordinary ability, he will always maintain his state, unless some extraordinary and inordinate force deprive him of it; and although it may be taken away from him, he will regain it with the slightest mistake of the usurper.”(Machiavelli, p. 8) Machiavelli’s conclusions were based from his experiences and observations from the previous rulers that he had encountered. Furthermore, in order for the ruler to convene the challenges of the modern society such that of the European society, a set of values is needed to be put into practice. But coping up with these problems, or rather overcoming them still depends upon how they had acquired the principality. One of the most significant points Machiavelli had stressed out were those of the different policies or strategies that a ruler may employ in developing a good society. The ruler’s ability to exercise his power should be taken into account, as well as his ability to implement rules in the community. This may even encourage him to adopt new strategies in exercising his power up to an extent where he will be able to keep a hold on to the society he rules. There are however, traditional values that are found to be appropriate if applied in the modern society. Every principality should be governed differently such that every ruler faces his own difficulty in ruling the state. Still, depending on the ways in which the ruler had acquired the principality, there is a need for him to examine the situations and the values that he should practice in order to appropriately direct the society, and at the same time save it from his enemies. “As I have said, when those states that are acquired are used to living by their own laws and in freedom, there are three methods of holding on to them: the first is to destroy them; the second is to go there in person to live; the third is to allow them to live with their own laws, forcing them to pay a tribute and creating therein a government made up of a few people who will keep the state friendly toward you. For such a government, having been created by that prince, knows it cannot last without his friendship and his power, and it must do everything possible to maintain them; and a city used to living in freedom is more easily maintained through the means of its own citizens than in any other way, if you decide to preserve it.”(Machiavelli, p. 19) Machiavelli, on the other hand never failed to mention those principalities acquired “through wickedness”. It is by this means that the ruler faces a more complex predicament that he needs to overcome unless he wants the society to be doubtful of his abilities, for which his enemies may take advantage of. “… many others, using cruel means, were unable even in peaceful times to hold on to their state, not to speak of the uncertain times of war. I believe that this depends on whether cruelty be well or badly used. Well used are those cruelties (if it is permitted to speak well of evil) that are carried out in a single stroke, done out of necessity to protect oneself, and are not continued but are instead converted into the greatest possible benefits for the subjects. Badly used are those cruelties which, although being few at the outset, grow with the passing of time instead of disappearing. Those who follow the first method can remedy their condition with God and with men as Agathocles did; the others cannot possibly survive.”(Machiavelli, p. 33) Among all the different kinds of principalities mentioned by Machiavelli, one of the most significant aspects of these principalities is the use of its armies which are composed of different types – these are those who are “made up of his own people, or of mercenaries, or auxiliaries, or of mixed troops”. (Machiavelli, 42) Machiavelli reiterated that the appropriate use of the prince’s armies would help him maintain his power over the state. Applying such principles in the modern European society remains applicable, as well as it is applicable yet with other societies. Moreover, Machiavelli discussed the different values that are needed to be handled aptly by the rulers for if things get out of hand, it might cost them their hold of power in the society. However, what seemed to be more controversial in The Prince was Machiavelli’s principles on cruelty and mercy. “I say that every prince must desire to be considered merciful and not cruel; nevertheless, he must take care not to misuse this mercy.” (Machiavelli, p. 55) His answers on his own question “whether it is better to be loved than to be feared, or the contrary…” (Machiavelli, p. 56) reflects that of his thought of the modern European society. “I reply that one should like to be both one and the other; but since it is difficult to join them together, it is much safer to be feared than to be loved when one of the two must be lacking…” (Machiavelli, p. 56) Although his words may sound a bit harsh pertaining to the attitude of the ruler towards the members of the society, yet his thoughts were referred to be the best strategies that a particular prince will have to implement. This thought at the same time brings into a conclusion that the ruler in the European society had the tendency to become too lax when it comes to go governance. Furthermore, his negligence of his power, as well as overdoing it may lead him to eventually lose it and the people. The Prince created a vision of the European society as that of a society that is too much concerned of its power as well as the modernization of the society. The varied principalities and the principles behind these principalities, including its manner of acquisition, the different approaches in handling the problems that may arise within the principalities, as well as the different values and/or virtues that the ruler should practice in order to address these problems that entails it are necessary issues that are needed to be dealt with. Machiavelli regarded these issues as essential political issues that require enough attention from the rulers of the present European society. His political principles of dealing with the various and numerous problems of the society are essential in promoting modernization. Through its aptness even in the modern European society and the principles’ applicability at present, especially in the political aspect of the society, Machiavelli’s principles could be regarded as modern in outlook. From the various principalities that Machiavelli have discussed and its equivalent predicaments that entails it, as well as the possible solutions that would seem pertinent for the ruler and the society, and the maintenance of one’s power over the society that are necessary for modernization identify Machiavelli’s modernist point of view. Conclusion Machiavelli’s treatise in his book The Prince has been a reflection of the European society from the ancient to the modern times, as well as the future. Considering its implication to the modern society, it is recognized as the most powerful and the most influential book yet that deals with political issues that is concerned with the traditional values and at the same time the modern values that are applicable yet in the European society all through the years that passed and those that will still come. With as much authority as Machiavelli’s principles and treatise had put on the ancient as well as in the modern European society, he could be regarded as one who has a modern outlook with reference to the society. References and Works Cited Machiavelli. N. The Prince. Trans. Peter Bondanella, P. Oxford University, Oxford. 1998. Renaissance. http://www.loyno.edu/~seduffy/renaissance.html. November 7, 2006. The Renaissance in Italy. http://www.123helpme.com/view.asp?id=23518. November 7, 2006. Thomas, D. Machiavelli and the hypocrisy of modernisation.(Critical Essay). Shakespeare in Southern Africa. 2001. Read More