Machiavelli Reading

Through reading the analysis of Machiavelli’s writing, I now truly understand how the phrase Machiavellian came about. In his book The Prince, some believe Machiavelli is advocating for tyrannical dictatorship, however this is not so. The author of this analysis believes Machiavelli is a realist who understands that in this situation (at the time) Italy needed strong leadership and for someone to step up to the role. Machiavelli also believed that in the long run a Roman Republic form of government is the safest and best form of government to be had. He also believes that the state is in place to serve the people and not vice versa (as a totalitarian government would believe).

Machiavelli has a cynical and deceitful views on trust and relationships. He believes that “if you  cannot be virtuous, appear so.” He believes that while it may be virtuous to live a life of honesty, it will not get you far in life; hence Machiavellian. Following the theme of his  slightly pessimistic (or realist) view of mankind he says that all men are by nature discontented. He also says that “there cannot be a peaceful citizenry under a serene monarch since it is the violent ways of man that make government necessary.”