Machiavelli And Greed

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Often referred to as the founder of modern political science, Niccolo Machiavelli is best known for his extremely controversial theories that redefined the Renaissance thinker and initiated the break from the rather barbaric structure of society. During the medieval times, citizens were constantly exposed to harsh and public brutality, believing to be ruled by the church and the will of god. No one dared rebel against the church in fear of complete excommunication, and those who deviated were often punished. Machiavelli's pieces proposed a society governed by structure to avoid chaos. More specifically, his work entitled The Prince, challenged an individual's beliefs and generated heavy conversation regarding their current state of government. …show more content…

However, the prince himself must resist from the temptation of greed that power brings. If he becomes too self-obsessed, his subjects will no longer value and adore him. In terms of political power, the theorist believes a successful ruler to be sly and secretive while avoiding hatred and accepting criticisms. He outlines the dangers of liberality, stating that far too much kindness can only end in disaster. Instead, Machiavelli suggests the importance of a fierce and successful ruler to be feared rather than loved. A leader cannot allow a poor reputation to interfere with his judgement, instead he should embrace it and focus on the protection and security of his land and his people. He argues that *great things* have yet to be accomplished by a ruler who has let his compassion for his people cloud his judgement and deter him from taking risks. Through his perspective, a prince should not live virtuously, but instead live wanting to achieve the most practical benefit for his subjects. However, a prince must guard himself from being despised and hated. Machiavelli's beliefs served to bring …show more content…

In order for an individual for be successful in the field they so choose, they must be confident and have a vision for what exactly they aim to achieve. Without proper organization and discipline, a position of authority has the ability to weaken and diminish faster than it was originally built. Time and effort is key to a successful leadership position in today's society. If an individual's dedication is not clearly evident, they will quickly become hated by everyone - a consequence in which Machiavelli advised against. Humans remain focused primarily on their own gain and require bribery in exchange for loyalty. Machiavelli's ideas are best known today to be the basis beliefs of leaders who rule under a

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