Machiavelli

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Machiavelli

Some say that if one completes his/her studies at the University level without analyzing and understanding Machiavelli's work and theories, then that person has not fully utilized the "college experience." Machiavelli, by some, is said to be one of the greatest theorists and philosophers of all time. Most critics argue, '… that he (Machiavelli) is cynical- that he thinks the worst of people rather than the best of them." It is very understandable that one would come to that conclusion after reading just one of Machiavelli's pieces of work. Machiavelli's attitude towards human nature is accurate. Although it is understandable to see him as a pessimist and overall a negative type of person, after further analysis, one would see him as a realist practicing truism. The excerpts analyzed here are from the book Machiavelli is widely known and noted for, The Prince. Machiavelli judges people on what he thinks they would do to serve their own best interests. If one is a prince or leader of a people or certain area of land, and he or she is a morally good individual, then, "Machiavelli suggests that he or she could not remain in that high position for long because that person wold have to compete with the masses of people, who, he says, are basically bad." One can easily be fooled into believing that a morally good person is able to readily fulfill his or her duties to the best extent possible without ever having to stray from his or her morals. Yet after further analysis, it is clear that the statement above is true in its entirety. There are means by which a morally good individual can achieve these high ranking positions, although, maintaining his or her high ranking position, according to what Machiavelli says, cannot happen due to the variety of 'bad' (morally bad) people in the same positions. It is more difficult for the morally good person to complete a certain task, than it is for the "bad person" to complete the same task because, although they both have the same skill and resources, the morally good person must not only find the solution to the task at hand but also make sure it abides by his morals. The "bad person" doesn't have to pursue anything else after having found the solution. Machiavelli has been long, "… condemned [for] the way he approves of cunning, deceit, and outright lying as means of staying in power.

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