Discourse On Livy Analysis

In the Discourses on Livy, a historical discussion of the Tarquins leads Machiavelli to the conclusion in chap. 4 para. 2 that "men never work any good unless through necessity." Examining the fallout after the removal of the Tarquins from power in Rome, we see that after their departure from power and a new Senate took their place; fear was no longer a mitigating factor in the treatment of the Plebs. There was no force to hold the Senate in check, allowing them to run free and rule through might and poisonous strength. The Tarquins feared the power the Plebs had to overturn them and their dynasty of kingly rule and create a new government, which they did. What the plebs that dethroned the Tarquins did not know, though, was that this fear the kings had for them was the only thing keeping them safe and protected from mistreatment of their government. There was a period of peace and tolerance in Rome at the start of the republic, as the government had not yet discovered that they were not required to treat the public with such dignity. They had a much lower chance of being overthrown and thus were not scared of popular rebellion, so they began to capitalize on that knowledge by treating the Plebs of the republic with increasing distaste at every turn. They were no longer required to

4 para. 2 "men never do any good unless through necessity" I believe that Machiavelli is indicating that the only true virtue or morality when thoroughly examined is actually necessity. Men may claim that they are intrinsically virtuous and do good for its own sake, but when we really look at those claims beneath the surface we see that no such quality exists in real practice, and that all those deeds first attributed to good can actually be traced back to necessity. Whether that be necessity to hold power, necessity to stay in power, necessity to survive, or necessity to satisfy your own self-image, we only do the good things we are required to