Machiavelli The Prince Research Paper

Niccolo Machiavelli was an observer in all he did. When he was the administrator and diplomat for the Florentine Republic, he contributed by reporting his findings and methods in surveilling others. His ideas were formed by noting the behaviors of those who were successful, and seeing the faults in those who were not. With that, he formulated sophisticated notions which earned him great esteem. Subsequent to his downfall after the Medici family returned to power, Machiavelli continued to study various leaders to find which qualities and strategies maintained a prince’s success. Though he never held an authoritative position in government, the principles he states relate to any position in government, even his own prior one. Hence, he was able

A person’s ability to thrive is determined by their ability to broaden the perspective and potential of others for the better. While serving for the Florentine Republic under Pier Soderini, Machiavelli’s dedication and input on matters were greatly valued. He was awarded the honor as Soderini’s most trusted assistant through his precise judgment, detailed explanations, and endless love for Italy (Donno 1). Machiavelli always searched beyond limits and preconceived notions set in society; the wisdom, honesty and accuracy of his statements were what made them so widely accepted, as an advisor’s “words will be the more welcome the more freely they are spoken” (Machiavelli 88). Nothing constrained his thought process, thus making his perspective vital to his superiors as he examined matters for what they truly were. With Machiavelli addressing this in his disquisition, he analyzed his own career as an advisor and the

Machiavelli claimed a prince “should make himself feared in such a way that, though he does not gain love, he escapes hatred” (Machiavelli 66). By doing so, the prince establishes a foundation of authority and reverence from his people, thus enabling being taken advantage of. Regardless of his own praised achievements in government, Machiavelli “remained loyal to it [the Florentine Republic] and served his superiors with tireless energy” (Donno 1), therefore making him a vulnerable subject which can be easily manipulated. He noted this as a disadvantage in his treatise because although this did not lead to his downfall, his possession of this trait could have been damaging to his career. Being unable to converse comfortably with another official is also harmful, as it demonstrates insecurity. Machiavelli was described as “somewhat unskilled in man-to-man diplomacy” (Donno 1), therefore indicating his incapability to handle situations with others efficiently and share his thoughts with ease. Similarly, in reference to the patronage of private citizens, Machiavelli viewed their success being difficult to obtain due to their inexperience in governing, for “barring the possibility that they are men of exceptional intelligence and skill, they are unlikely to know how to command” (Machiavelli 33). Machiavelli saw the inability of the wealthy to communicate well with others,