Biography of and Principles Taught By Niccolo Machiavelli...

Machiavelli Essay: Question 1 Born in the 15th century, Niccolà ² Machiavelli was an Italian historian, politician, philosopher, diplomat and humanist. Following his career as an official in the Florentine Republic, Machiavelli was a founder of modern political science and political ethics. In the political treatise The Prince, written in 1532, Machiavelli outlines several key traits of a successful princedom such as; how to incorporate newly acquired provinces, the most successful way to conquer territories, the establishment of successful defense and military forces, as well as qualities which would make for the most desirable prince. Machiavelli also brings to attention the pitfalls of previous Italian princes as to prevent the same†¦show more content†¦The increase on virtue shifted the public’s attitude away from chance and towards ambition and risk taking. Machiavelli outlines several steps that princes can take in order to create a successful principality. When analyzing the success of principalities, a balance of state interests with those of the individual’s must exist. The original moral basis for princely rule focused on domination and forced subjection, whereas the new basis suggesting the gain of citizen support as well as appearance of generosity and the ability to balance cruelty and mercy. The observation that a change is necessary can be seen through the lines, â€Å"He who abandons what is done for what ought to be done, will rather learn to bring his own ruin than his preservation† (Machiavelli 56). Machiavelli believed that the rulers of Italy had lost their states as a result of ignoring the political and military principles he believed attributes to a successful ruler. Throughout The Prince Machiavelli outlines and offers advice to future rulers with the hopes that they will improve themselves and thus improve the society as a whole as shown in the quote, â€Å"Whoever considers the past and the present will readily observe that all cities and all people are end ever have been animated by the same desires and the same passions;† (Machiavelli 216). Several of the pieces of advice Machiavelli offers include: It is betterShow MoreRelatedEssay about Niccolo Machiavelli1653 Words   |  7 Pages According to legend, just before his death, Niccolo Machiavelli told his friends that had remained faithful to him up until the very end about a dream he had had. In his dream, he had seen a group of peasants, wretched and decrepit in appearance. He asked them who they were. They replied, ‘We are the saintly and the blessed; we are on our way to heaven.’ Then he saw a crowd of formally attired men, aristocratic and grim in appearance, speak ing solemnly of important political matters. Again, heRead MoreThe Life And Importance Of Machiavelli Essay1367 Words   |  6 PagesLife and Importance of Machiavelli â€Å"There are three kinds of intelligence: one kind understands things for itself, the other appreciates what others can understand, the third understands neither for itself nor through others. This first kind is excellent, the second good, and the third kind useless† (Niccolà ² Quotes). Niccolà ² Machiavelli was one of the greatest influences on our world today. His research and philosophies explored new strategies and ways of thinking. Machiavelli was before his own timeRead MoreThe Evolution of the Hero1960 Words   |  8 Pagesmissionaries and priests preparing for salvation. The Renaissance challenged this bleak vision. Part of the challenge came from 14th century Italy s rediscovery of the classical literature of ancient Greece and Rome. The histories of Tacitus, the biographies of Plutarch, but above all the letters and speeches of the orator Cicero opened the classical world anew. What they all emphasized was man s capacity for greatness.   It was the Italian poet Francesco Petrarca, known as Petrarch, who usheredRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 Pagesgravity or to be confident about sending astronauts into space to repair satellites. But as a noted behavioral researcher observed, â€Å"God gave all the easy problems to the physicists.† Human beings are complex, and few, if any, simple and universal principles explain organizational behavior. Because we are not alike, our ability to make simple, accurate, and sweeping generalizations is limited. Challenges and Opportunities for OB 15 Two people often act very differently in the same situation