Niccolo Machiavelli is one of the most important political philosophers within the field of politics. He belonged to the Middle Ages of human history but his ideology and political thinking was so forward looking and progressive that his work finds relevance even in the modern contemporary world (Machiavelli, 2017). This essay seeks to discuss the summary of the book “The Prince” and to analyze the importance of the dictates of the book in the present times.
“The Prince” is a book outlining the necessary human nature and characteristics looked for in the ideal prince who will have the ability to rule efficiently and maintain peace and order in his kingdom (Machiavelli & Thomson, 2018). Niccolo Machiavelli wrote this book keeping in mind the existing miserable condition of Italy during the fifteenth century. He believed that it depended on the Medici family of Italy to take measures which will revive the country and take it back to the path of glory. The story of “The Prince” is a story regarding the necessary conduct of the ideal prince and how he should behave with his courtiers and enemies. The book also outlines the various types of armies that is possible in a kingdom. The last few Chapters of the book focuses on the despicable condition of Italy during the sixteenth century which necessitated the prince to take a guided action to rectify the situation.
For this purpose, Niccolo Machiavelli listed out certain desired characteristic of the ‘prince’ such as the prince must be sly and cruel like a fox while also being brave like a lion (Connell & Machiavelli, 2016). Both these qualities should coexist together in order for the prince to work efficiently with his enemies and friends. Moreover, the prince must, at all times, keep his enemies closer than his friends. By way of this, the prince will be able to keep his enemies appeased or at least will be able to determine what are the malicious intentions of the enemies are and can take appropriate measures to counteract them. Machiavelli opined that the goodwill of the people is more necessary for the prince than their fear. It is always easy to rule over them who love and respect them.
Machiavelli also talked about the various types of armies which exist in a kingdom. It is the army which leads the kingdom to victory and glory and hence, the type of army should be properly formed and taken care of. Machiavelli opined that it the traditional kind of army consisting of the people from the native land, which is most desirable and needed (Quinn & Worthy, 2017).
To
conclude, it is observed that “The Prince” was necessitated because of the
prevailing condition of Italy. The
Prince is that character who has the ability to lead his kingdom into glory.
His character is such which commands respect from both hos friends and enemies.
The army formed will be loyal to the prince and he will also be able to command
the loyalty of his subjects.
References:
Connell, W. J., & Machiavelli, N. (2016). The Prince: with Related Documents. Macmillan Higher Education.
Machiavelli, N. (2017). The Works of Niccolò Machiavelli. Starkey.
Machiavelli, N., & Thomson, N. H. (2018). Machiavelli: The Prince (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought). CDED.
Quinn, R., & Worthy, B. (2017). The Prince. Macat Library.
