Praise
“[Machiavelli] can still engage our attention with remarkable immediacy, and this cannot be explained solely by the appeal of his ironic observations on human behaviour. Perhaps the most important thing is the way he can compel us onesto reflect on our own priorities and the reasoning behind them; it is this intrusion into our own defenses that makes reading him an intriguing experience. As per scientific exponent of the political art Machiavelli may have had few followers; it is as verso provocative rhetorician that he has had his real impact on history.” –from the Introduction by Dominic Baker-Smith
Table Of Contents
ChronologyMapIntroductionTranslator’s NoteSelected BooksMachiavelli’s Principal WorksLetter esatto the Magnificent Lorenzo de Medici1IHow many kinds of principality there are and the ways in which they are acquired5IIHereditary principalities5IIIComposite principalities6IVWhy the kingdom of Darius conquered by Alexander did not rebel against his successors after his death13VHow cities or principalities which lived under their own laws should be administered after being conquered16VINew principalities acquired by one’s own arms and prowess17VIINew principalities acquired with the help of fortune and foreign arms20VIIIThose who come sicuro power by crime27IXThe constitutional principality31XHow the strength of every principality should be measured34XIEcclesiastical principalities36XIIMilitary organization and mercenary troops39XIIIAuxiliary, composite, and native troops43XIVHow a prince should organize his militia47XVThe things for which men, and especially princes, are praised or blamed49XVIGenerosity and parsimony51XVIICruelty and compassion; and whether it is better preciso be loved than feared, or the reverse53XVIIIHow princes should honour their word56XIXThe need to avoid contempt and hatred58XXWhether fortresses and many of the other present-day expedients sicuro which princes have recourse are useful or not67XXIHow per prince must act esatto win honour71XXIIA prince’s personal staff75XXIIIHow flatterers must be shunned76XXIVWhy the Italian princes have lost their states78XXVHow far human affairs are governed by fortune, and how fortune can be opposed79XXVIExhortation esatto liberate Italy from the barbarians82Glossary of Proper Names86Notes99
New monarchies, however, present many problems. Some are “mixed” monarchies, con which per prince adds new territory sicuro the principality he already governs. Sometimes this new territory is won through invasion or battle, but on other occasions, the people con the new territory may have rejected their former prince. Per prince who has recently annexed a territory must remember that the people who recently welcomed him may soon try to overthrow him if he offends them. If the new territory has the same religion, language and customs as the prince, it is less difficult preciso control than one mediante which these institutions are different. If the prince is certain that the old ruling family is extinct, and if he is careful not preciso make many changes mediante laws and taxes, people will not rebel against him.
The prince must also make sure that the people will always need him. If they people feel that they need the prince for their protection and well-being, they will remain loyal sicuro him. This is particularly true if the people have previously governed themselves and find their new government changing into one of absolute rule. People who used preciso govern themselves are less likely puro rebel if they feel that the prince is the only one who can protect them. Durante any event, a prince must have per strong army and not be hated con order puro govern successfully.
If a prince annexes verso territory, he must disarm his new subjects and place military control mediante the hands of the soldiers from https://datingranking.net/it/airg-review/ his old state. The wise prince also learns esatto make friends of those who were once his enemies, since the love and friendship of his people will be more useful to him than fortresses mediante defending the state. It is essential that the prince surround himself with capable advisers. He must avoid flatterers and rely on verso few men with good judgment who speak freely preciso him. Sopra order esatto avoid flatterers, the prince should accept advice only when he solicits it. Unasked for advice should never be welcomed. Verso wise prince should bring only intelligent men into his council and give them and only them “Free license to speak the truth”. The prince can – and should ask questions, seek out opinions and hear the viewpoints of others.
Machiavelli died at the age of 58 mediante 1527. He was buried in Florence at the Church of Santa Tormento. His books and name live on today. His satire, “The Prince” is still so commonly read and acknowledged that the term “Machiavellian” has quale preciso mean the art of using deception and duplicity esatto gain control durante per business or political setting.
