| By Zack Poole "Tha Book Plug" |
How One Destitute Derelict Penned The All-Time Most Influential Manual For Men in Powerful Positions: A Brief Glimpse Into The Life and Philosophy of Niccolò Machiavelli In Exile
The Timeless SOP for politicians and businesspeople "The Prince," was written by Machiavelli in the early 16th century. And to this day remains the Magnum Opus for Political and Business Philosophy. Its observations on human behavior, power dynamics, and political strategy continue to resonate in our modern lives.
"In Paris, you learn wit, in London you learn to crush your social rivals, and in Florence you learn poise."
- Virgil Thomson
Born Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli in Florence 1469, was issue to an incredibly wealthy family. His father, Bernardo, though financially strained at the time, ensured Niccolò received a humanist education. He attended lectures by Marcello Virgilio Adriani and gained everything to offer from the intellectual atmosphere of Renaissance Florence.
Machiavelli’s career trajectory brought him to politics and a role in the Florentine government during a tumultuous period. He witnessed power struggles among city-states, the Holy Roman Empire, France, and Spain. His experiences shaped his pragmatic worldview. In 1498, he even listened to the sermons of Girolamo Savonarola, a Dominican friar who briefly ruled Florence.
Although a good career in a respectable position – All that changed in an instant…
In 1513, the Medici family returned to power, and Machiavelli was dismissed from office. Suspected of conspiracy, he was imprisoned, tortured, and exiled. Banished from court to live the life of a peasant on a farm far from the royal court and his previous place of business.
During this time Machiavelli would labor in the field for the entirety of the daylight hours then change into clean robes after to sit down and write. It was in this time he treated as if it was beyond a hobby, but a duty to report his discoveries.
His newfound lifestyle and schedule allowed him the ability to ponder on the role of nobility. And from the outside looking in. It is widely believed as well as the opinion of my own, that this experience, rather, fall from grace; is what gave lifeblood and authenticity to the creation that was “The Prince.”
It surely sharpened his vision from experiencing life as a man waited on hand and foot only to become a Targeted Individual. Acting in both of these roles gave him a unique outlook and authentic perspective. Inspiring his literary mission which was to write an A-Z procedural on leadership.
Machiavelli wrote “The Prince” in this time of exile, however it was not published until 1532, five years following his death in June of 1527. This was a fascinating and exhilarating period of time in Europe.
There was the Italian renaissance offering some of the most exquisite works of art that we cherish today. The protestant reformation. Henry VIII after many years of litigation between his court and church with The Vatican leading to him to elect himself the new pope or the head of the new church of England. Europe was on track for a geological megadrought.
And of course, as we know today – The European discovery of a land far west that was previously not believed to exist. And while all this was occurring - Machiavelli sat at his desk writing the most influential work that we hold today in political philosophy along with Suz Tzu’s “The Art of War” predating his work by roughly two millennia.
(Honorable Mention in this category to The 48 Laws of Power by Mr. Robert Greene)
The Prince is bountiful in areas and aspects of whether grand or minutia codes of conduct, there are a few to note that are personal favorites of my own. Furthermore, ones that I, as Machiavelli, experiencing both radically opposite sides of the spectrum in quality of life, have found to be fundamental principles in the conduct of a Man, a Businessman and Leader of Men.
Machiavelli – The broke, shunned and blacklisted man of integrity, alchemically transforms his pain into passion for politics and creation and documentation of revolutionary ideas. To name a few.
Human Nature Hasn't Changed
Machiavelli understood the complexities of human nature and the pursuit of power, ambition, and self-interest. His pragmatic approach acknowledges that leaders must navigate these inherent traits to succeed. Immaterial as to if your role is a CEO, politician, military general or an individual seeking to understand social dynamics; his insights are a robust framework in decision making and Shot-Calling
Constant Features of Realpolitik
In a world riddled with political intrigue, shifting alliances, and power struggles, Machiavelli's principles embody relevance and dichotomize priority. His emphasis on pragmatism over idealism should be understood and resonate with every leader in power today. Machiavelli believed that leaders should prioritize the survival and stability of their state or organization, even if it meant making tough, sometimes ruthless decisions.
Machiavellian Philosophy Applied To Technology
I’m sure this won’t come to a surprise to any inhabitant of Planet Earth, but – We now live in a digital age. Surveillance and information warfare play pivotal roles. Machiavelli's guidance on maintaining control, understanding your adversaries, and using information strategically aligns systematically with crucial modern challenges. With a lesser, but significant emphasis on rectitude. Today’s leaders, from a president or prime minister of a nation to the manger of a grocery market.. Sadly, even an honest and genuine community leader; must adapt to the weaponization of information while maintaining ethical boundaries.
Warfare. Period.
Machiavelli emphasizes that a wise prince should never shy away from war. Instead, they should be prepared to face it head-on. A great example of contrast being The Romans. Who always found remedies for troubles and avoided war at all costs by addressing potential conflicts before they escalated.
A Prince has an appointed obligation to gain and maintain power through warfare. Having a self-sufficient army is essential. And a promissory penalty of death and decline to not produce one.
Machiavelli advises against relying on auxiliaries (borrowed troops) or mercenaries (paid soldiers) and instead advocates for a home-grown, patriotic Italian army. Machiavelli criticizes the use of mercenary troops in some instances. He considers them "useless" for defense. He claims that Mercenaries lack loyalty and motivation to fight for their employer. Their pay is insufficient to make them willing to die in battle.
So to utilize but never grow reliant on mercenary forces and the Italian history of such that lead to defeat. In The Prince, he cites the example of Charles VIII of France, who invaded and conquered Italy. The Italians' dependence on mercenaries proved disastrous in this instance.
In this principle he also cites Francesco Sforza as an example. Sforza was initially a mercenary and would eventually subjugate his employer to become the Duke of Milan. This example illustrates the danger of relying on mercenaries or those who fight for pay rather than loyalty or patriotism.
*****Don’t Throw The Baby Out With The Bathwater*****
Machiavelli also believed that professional and career soldiers, or contractors, are largely advantageous as a supplementary measure to a powerful military. A very successful Measure especially being neighbored (And for a brief spell - countrymen) with Dalmatia.
Croatians have a long history of maintaining economic stability from mercenary services. However, zero in colonial desire. Just warriors. And of course there’s geographic positioning. Have you ever seen the Dalmatian Coast? Possibly in The series HBO “Game of Thrones,” I mean – Who would want leave unless under the threat of genocide and certain death.
No Dog In This Fight… But There Will Be
Machiavelli stressed the tremendous importance of staying neutral during conflicts between powerful neighbors is discouraged. Choosing a side, even if it means joining the underdog or disadvantaged party, is preferable to remaining neutral and sitting on the fence. Neutrality erodes trust and future prospects for alliances.
But choose wisely. Stray from the way of the Dear Cooter Brown.
Supreme Military Forces And State Formation
Machiavelli states with conviction that "the presence of sound military forces indicates the presence of sound laws." This tersely captures the relationship between war and state formation in The Prince. Even in being grilled by a French diplomat and challenged in the Italians inability to understand statecraft.
Machiavelli emphasizes that the main foundations of all states are "good laws and good arms." These two pillars are essential for a prince to build a strong and lasting principality. While good laws and good arms are interconnected, Machiavelli places a clear emphasis on the latter. He argues that it is impossible to have good laws without good arms, and vice versa. Therefore, he focuses primarily on military organization.
Unlike previous philosophers, Machiavelli shattered the idealistic image of leaders.
He argued that rulers must be pragmatic, even ruthless, if necessary. His infamous proclamation "It is better to be feared than loved" was a challenge to conventional wisdom. It was his belief that leaders should shape their own fortune, relying on charisma, guileful, grace and force.
Furthermore, to actually live in the same community with all subjects. This decision garnishes the purest for of first-hand intelligence and.. well as we would say today - “Keep Your Ear To The Street.” A dynamic to be nearly an impossible endeavor when high off in an ivory tower and completely unrelatable to your people as a true leader.
Logical Reasoning And The Consideration Of Ethics
In Chapter 3, Machiavelli discusses the need to either pamper or annihilate men. He argues that harm should be inflicted in a way that prevents revenge. His reasoning is pragmatic. And devoid of ethical concerns. A hard pill to swallow however in desperate measures such as an attempted hostile takeover on your company, a necessity.
Always be peaceful yet proactive, assertive, and prepared for war. This philosophy will safeguard successful legal and civic institutions.
Key Figures And Characters
Cesare Borgia was the bastard child of Pope Alexander VI and was a captivating character. Raised to perpetuate his father's ambitious power, Cesare's life was marked by intrigue, manipulation, and ruthless pursuit of dominance. His sister, Lucrezia, shared this environment, and their strange bond would eventually lay the groundwork for their imminent demise.
At a young age, Cesare held positions of power: he became the Bishop of Pamplona at seventeen and the Archbishop of Valencia at twenty. However, he wasn't confined to ecclesiastical matters.
Politics and war were his true calling. After his older brother's mysterious death. A death that rumors tell was a murder by the hands of his own brother Cesare, he assembled an army of mercenaries. The Chief Engineer on this project was an Italian man named Leonardo da Vinci.
Cesare's strategies combined both the sword and deception, allowing him to expand his father's empire and unify Italy under Borgia rule.
Machiavelli drew much inspiration from Cesare Borgia. The praise issued in the Prince portrays a sincere admiration of Borgia as the epitome of political prowess. According to Machiavelli, a prince need not adhere to morality but should focus solely on the laws of power. Borgia's cruelty, which united Romagna and brought stability was the pinnacle of this fundamental. However, all of this influence was in specific relation to his pursuit of dominance.
Intriguing Dedication
Niccolò Machiavelli dedicated his masterpiece to Lorenzo de' Medici, who later became the Duke of Urbino in 1516. In the dedication, Machiavelli expressed his devotion and offered his book as an olive branch in what time proved to be a grand gesture eclipsing and gift of rare stones or precious medals. In this offering showcased his admiration and a summary of his understanding the deeds of great men.
His intention was to help Lorenzo de' Medici achieve eminence as a prince. The dedication reflects Machiavelli's desire to guide rulers and stimulate their minds, making "The Prince" a practical "how-to" guide for aspiring and existing leaders.
Machiavelli's brilliance lies not only in his enduring insights but also in his ability to capture the essence of power, strategy, and leadership. This legacy that continues to influence business, politics, and our understanding of human nature.
So thank you, Signore Machiavelli. For your experience, your wisdom and even your contradiction. As long as I live there will be a specially reserved parking spot for “The Prince” on my bookshelf.
Ciao. Arrivederci e Alla Prossima!
Bust-Down Books 2024 And Beyond