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parkthebus 's review for:
The Prince
by Niccolò Machiavelli
informative
reflective
‘Machiavellian’ is a word synonymous with the dark arts of realpolitik. Having read the book, I feel the negative criticisms attached to the apparently ethics-free discussion by the author go too far. Given the age this was written in, Machiavelli’s emphasis on limiting ‘liberalness’ to the point it serves a purpose and does not devolve into misery for the State’s subjects is proper.
The State’s stability and continuity is a desirable end to avoid chaos and grave consequences for the citizenry, and for this the means be employed, not based on their morality but according to their suitability to the situation.
Most of the advice from the book would not be fit for contemporary use without at least a modification here and there, since we’re not living under princes anymore, thankfully. But the cause of preserving the State (which now derives its legitimacy more from the people in a democracy than any other system) is ever present, and politicians need to compete to secure and maintain power too.
Keeping these in mind, the word ‘Machiavellian’ might not go out of fashion any time soon.
The State’s stability and continuity is a desirable end to avoid chaos and grave consequences for the citizenry, and for this the means be employed, not based on their morality but according to their suitability to the situation.
Most of the advice from the book would not be fit for contemporary use without at least a modification here and there, since we’re not living under princes anymore, thankfully. But the cause of preserving the State (which now derives its legitimacy more from the people in a democracy than any other system) is ever present, and politicians need to compete to secure and maintain power too.
Keeping these in mind, the word ‘Machiavellian’ might not go out of fashion any time soon.