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The Portable Machiavelli

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In the course of my political science training, I studied at great length the modern idea of realpolitik. In that study I came to realise that it was somewhat incomplete, without the companionship of 'The Prince', by Niccolo Machiavelli, a Florentine governmental official in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. 'The Prince' is an oft quoted, oft mis-quoted work, used as the philosophical underpinning for much of what is considered both pragmatic and wrong in politics today. To describe someone as being Machiavellian is to attribute to the person ruthless ambition, craftiness and merciless political tactics. Being believed to be Machiavellian is generally politically incorrect. Being Machiavellian, alas, can often be politically expedient.

Machiavelli based his work in 'The Prince' upon his basic understanding of human nature. He held that people are motivated by fear and envy, by novelty, by desire for wealth, power and security, and by a hatred of restriction. In the Italy in which he was writing, democracy was an un-implemented Greek philosophical idea, not a political structure with a history of success; thus, one person's power usually involved the limitation of another person's power in an autocratic way.

Machiavelli did not see this as a permanent or natural state of being -- in fact, he felt that, during his age, human nature had been corrupted and reduced from a loftier nobility achieved during the golden ages of Greece and Rome. He decided that it was the corrupting influence of Christianity that had reduced human nature, by its exaltation of meekness, humility, and otherworldliness.

Machiavelli has a great admiration for the possible and potential, but finds himself inexorably drawn to the practical, dealing with situations as they are, thus becoming an early champion of realpolitik carried forward into this century by the likes of Kissinger, Thatcher, Nixon, and countless others. One of the innovations of Machiavelli's thought was the recognition that the prince, the leader of the city/state/empire/etc., was nonetheless a human being, and subject to all the human limitations and desires with which all contend.

Because the average prince (like the average person) is likely to be focussed upon his own interests, a prince's private interests are generally in opposition to those of his subjects. Fortunate is the kingdom ruled by a virtuous prince, virtue here not defined by Christian or religious tenets, but rather the civic virtue of being able to pursue his own interests without conflicting those of his subjects.

Virtue is that which increases power; vice is that which decreases power. These follow Machiavelli's assumptions about human nature. Machiavelli rejected the Platonic idea of a division between what a prince does and what a prince ought to do. The two principle instruments of the prince are force and propaganda, and the prince, in order to increase power (virtue) ought to employ force completely and ruthlessly, and propaganda wisely, backed up by force. Of course, for Machiavelli, the chief propaganda vehicle is that of religion.

Machiavelli has been credited with giving ruthless strategies (the example of a new political ruler killing the deposed ruler and the ruler's family to prevent usurpation and plotting is well known) -- it is hard to enact many in current politics in a literal way, but many of his strategies can still be seen in electioneering at every level, in national and international relations, and even in corporate and family internal 'politics'. In fact, I have found fewer more Machiavellian types than in church politics!

Of course, these people would be considered 'virtuous' in Machiavellian terms -- doing what is necessary to increase power and authority.

Perhaps if Machiavelli had lived a bit later, and been informed by the general rise of science as a rational underpinning to the world, he might have been able to accept less of a degree of randomness in the universe. Perhaps he would have modified his views. Perhaps not -- after all, the realpolitikers of this age are aware of the scientific framework of the universe, and still pursue their courses.

Bondanella and Musa, professors at my university, use 'The Prince' at the centrepiece of this collection, which also includes excerpts from 'The Art of War', 'The History of Florence', and 'The Discourses'. They also include in their entirety 'Belfagor', 'The Mandrake Root', and 'The Life of Castruccio Castracani of Lucca'. There's also a remarkable and humourous collection of personal correspondence of Machiavelli, showing he had quite a sense of humour. These are only seven out of 250 of his letters known to exist - a collection of all these letters would also be worthwhile reading.

This is a great collection, introduced by an essay by Bondanella and Musa, and a very good bibliography, divided into subjects.

We all learned about him in elementary school: some author in the early Renaissance who wrote a book on governing that included such phrases as "the end justifies the means" and "it is better to be feared than love." From that education, one would think this is a man who would adore such leaders as Hitler who used their political prowess to get to the top. After purchasing and reading this collection, however, I have come to one conclusion: any one who speaks of Machiavelli that way has never read Machiavelli.

Edited and translated by Peter Bondanella and Mark Musa, "The Portable Machiavelli" not only gives the casual reader a chance to read different personal and professional works of Machiavelli, but also strives to do away with many of the myths that have plagued the man's posthumous fame. For example, the famous "the ends justifies the means" quote is actually a gross exaggeration of what Machiavelli originally wrote, which was "in the actions of all men...when there is no impartial arbiter, one must consider the final result." The biggest counterargument Bondanella and Musa can supply is the simple fact that they include a less famous piece Machiavelli did called "The Discourses." This piece is often not mentioned or even casually footnoted because it presents the true Machiavelli - a man who was supportive of a Republic government run by the citizens. Any one who believes Machiavelli is a supporter of despots will be surprised to read him speaking in support for fair and public trials and a balance of power between rulers and their people.

Even if you already know the above, this is still a good read. Machiavelli presents some fine insight into government not only in the Renaissance (which, in fact, "The Prince" was meant to do) but also for the future. "The Discourses" offers insight into how to manage a Republic and its laws, while presenting past examples (many times from the ancient Romans or even Medieval history) and arguments against those that might protest a Republican form of government. Footnotes and editor notes through out the book offer insight into what Machiavelli refers to or means in specific passages - even pointing out a half-truth in one chapter. Even if you disagree with Machiavelli or the purpose he stands for, he presents his points in a well-meaning, educated manner and you can't help but read and be fascinated.

This is a wonderful collection and I would highly recommend it to either fans of Machiavelli, as well as those interested in government or Medieval history. It was certainly worth my money and time.

Aside from being a concise collection of Machiavelli's important political works, this volume serves another great purpose - it shows you a side of Machiavelli never seen before by publishing the HILARIOUS letters to his brother. The letter to his brother about his encounter with a prostitute is absolutely hysterical. This volume provides selections which show you both sides of Machiavelli - the serious political scientist and the satirical, comical human being.

Lessons from Machiavelli

1)He who hesitates as a ruler is lost
2) Mercenary armies are never to be trusted. To rule securely one must have a defense force made of one's own people.
3) Christian virtue is the opposite of political wisdom.
4) A government of one type, whether it be monarchy, oligarchy, or democracy will become corrupt. 'Mixed government is good government.'
5) A ruler must be ruthless with his enemies.
6) Inflexibility for a ruler will inevitably lead to failure.
7) There are times it is wise to negotiate. Machiavelli felt his beloved Florence was conquered by the Spaniards only because the Florentines refused at a time propitious to them , negotiations.
8) The ancient Greeks and Romans ruled at times more wisely than the city- state Italians of his own times.
9) 'Courage does help make ' Fortune' but Fortune is nonetheless fickle and unreliable even to the brave.
10) It is better for a ruler to be feared than to be loved.
11) Political murder is justified when it leads to the preservation of the polity.
12)Even the greatest of men are subject to Fortune.
13) The study of ancient socieites and history gives relevant lessons for present political behavior.
14)If one does not have an Army one cannot preserve one's power.
15)The political task of Religion is inspiration of public loyalty.
16) The commonwealth, the political entity is more important than the individual.
17)

Those familiar with his most famous work 'The Prince' may find this hard to believe. In this collection we see a totally different side of the man through; a humorous letter to his brother about an encounter with a less than attractive prostitute, a hilarious short story with a dubious message about marriage and a completely comic play. The nearly 500 years since their appearance does nothing to diminish their comedic value. These three pieces alone make the work worth the money. If that's not enough for you, there are also selections from his famous 'Art of War' and 'The Discourses.' True Machiavelli fans like myself will not want to miss this gem!

Here it is, Machiavelli's work in its sinister glory for all to behold. The truth of man's corruption and dishonesty is exposed for all the world to see.

The wise Florentine is not to be blamed and scandalised for lifting the veil on the
cesspool of politics, religion and royalty. No, he is to be congratulated for summarising the dastardly deeds committed by Popes, Princes, Kings and Emperors. Without Machiavelli to set us right, some of us may believe politics is a noble profession.

Use "The Portable Machiavelli" to see through the hazy rhetoric used by spin doctors, or as a tool to aid effective management strategies, or simply for entertainment purposes.

If you are unfamiliar with Machiavelli's work then prepare yourself for a shock. It's not a guidebook for tyrants, as many commentators may suggest, it's more of a literary equivalent of smelling salts. Once we have read Machiavelli's work we awaken with a clearer idea of the reality around us.

Machiavelli was only political philosopher who introduced political doctrines to a ruler.

He had a famouse statement: a prince must have qualities of two beasts, a fox to identify deception and a lion in order to engage confrantion with a enemy.

The Pocket Machiavelli was a great addition to my philosophy collection. Machiavelli has some very interesting viewpoints on statesmanship and warfare. If you like social and political philosophy, you should definitely give this book a try as it provides a number of Machiavelli's works for a very good price in convenient size.

An excellent treatise on the grey area of right, wrong and the greater good. If you have ever wondered why there are times that government 'gets in bed' with someone otherwise undesirable, this examination of the difference between the world we'd like to live in vs the world we have to work in will be most enlightening.

A must have for anyone that is or will be in a strong position of leadership.

First of all, this is a well-regarded translation by Bondanella. Secondly it includes all of the Prince, much of the Discourses, as well as including pieces of his other major works and even a play! It's a wonderful reference for those who want a much clearer picture of who Machiavelli was!