Machiavelli's The Prince

General Critique, Analysis & Synthesis with Class Materials

According to SparkNotes Editors (2002), „The Prince“ was created by Machiavelli in Florence, betweern 1513 and 1514, and only published after his death in 1532 (Key Facts section, para.1). During this period Italy was dusiunited and plagued by constant power struggle and wars among numerous Italian city-states and even the Roman Catholic Church. These conflicts were supported and sometimes initiated by foreign powers (Spain, France and Holy Roman Empire), which seeked to further their own interests and weaken each other. It is during these tough and dangerous times that Machiavelli decided to write a kind of a manual for rulers (princes) of Italy, which will help them to restore

It is also important to mention that Machiavelli during this time was not in public service or actively involved in politics, because of his dismission from office in 1512, when the Medici fmily regained control over Florence. I mention this, because it is possible that he wrote this book to inspire the unification of Italy and the fight against foreign occupators, however another reason could be that he wanted to get Lorenzo de Medici’s attention and respect (the book was dedicated to Lorenzo), so that his former status and position in Florentine politics and diplomacy can be restored. Some critics and scholars say that his book was intended as a satire, to show how a ruler should not behave and that there should be a highrt ethical principle, which will influence the decision-making process. However, I disagree and I believe in practical and realist nature of this book, and I think that author’s intention was to influence the prince, who will implement the advice given in the world

This means that the results are what matters, and any method or approach that helps you to achieve your goals is a good one, it does not matter is it ethical or not. Another thing I like about this book is the fact that it is rooted in practice and experience, and that it provides a lot of historical support for its case. Machiavelli also talks about the power of man to affect his destiny, which is still debated today and is a great problem in some socities, which are not willing to make an effort to change anything and are content with the status quo, because they believe it is what God wants for them. However, the author disagrees and argues that even if humans cannot avoid misfortune and troubles, they can prepare for them and attenute their impact. Thus he places greater responsibility and burden on an individual and the entire society, but at the same time he makes it clear that humans can with their own abilites and courage alter their destiny, and not depend completely on good fortune and God’s