observations is extremely pragmatic. In consequence‚ it was surprising when‚ in chapter 25‚ Machiavelli began to speak‚ quite frankly‚ about the role of fate and fortune in a principality‚ saying that‚ "...fortune is arbiter of half of our actions‚ but also that she leaves the other half‚ or close to it‚ for us to govern" (98). This at first glance appears to be a far more fanciful notion than the ones that Machiavelli had previously maintained. However‚ as we delve deeper into Machiavelli’s work‚ we are
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One of these restrictions that the king has is that he cannot take property from his people. Machiavelli believes‚ “…above all [the prince] must abstain from taking the property of others…” (Machiavelli 1991). This shows that the prince cannot steal property. This ensures that the king does not lust for power‚ and it reminds him of his place. The king’s sole purpose is to make decisions that benefit
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doesn’t ignore the fact that there are evil or bad people in this world‚ he believes some people do fail due to poor development or not being taught the virtues of what makes a good human being. On the other hand‚ Hsun-tzu takes Mencius’s ideas and strongly disagrees. To Hsun-tzu‚ humans are born innately evil. He takes Mencius’s idea of having to be taught to be good as not truly born good. He believes anything humans have to work towards to become good is considered conscious activity. He says
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to the English language as a synonym for "deceitful." During his service in the Florentine government‚ he had had the opportunity to deal diplomatically with kings and princes from all parts of Europe. The early 15th century the time of Niccole Machiavelli‚ Italy was anarchy of states. It was divided into thirty principalities each ruled by a prince. It was a turbulent time of conflict and contradiction new ideas and new technology are rocking like a great earthquake. It was a time where there were
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The Qualities of a Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli In The Qualities of a Prince‚ Niccolo Machiavelli discusses the attributes that he believes make for a good leader. Although Machiavelli wrote The Qualities of a Prince centuries ago‚ some of the qualities he advises a prince to have can be adapted to the leaders of today. Some of these qualities include being generous and being feared by the public. Machiavelli claims that if “generosity is used in such a manner as to give you a reputation
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I stepped off the plane‚ onto the slick tarmac‚ hearing the echoes of my father’s dry-heaving in the back of my head. Standing in the humid air of Laos‚ the thunder boomed‚ the lightning crackled and the rain poured; we waited restlessly for our ride. As they arrived‚ I vaguely began to recognize the faces of my many cousins. My parents and brother wen in one car‚ and I went in another. Driving rapidly over the unregulated speed limit‚ we arrived to the dock thirty minutes earlier than everyone else
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Luke Pelagio Due 5/27/2011 Period 4 Machiavelli: Realism Over Idealism Nicolo Machiavelli is known as being an archetypical realist; in other words‚ he was someone who originated the idea that we should not try to figure out how people should be‚ but rather accept and deal with the world as it literally is. Unlike Machiavelli‚ Plato posited an idealist view of a philosopher king reigning through virtue. To Machiavelli‚ this is an extremely dangerous delusion for it ignores what he considers
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process and how we differentiate between what is good or bad‚ and contemplating cause and effect. Machiavelli‚ Locke‚ and Marx all have different conceptions of human nature‚ which has led to a variation of conclusions regarding the political structures of society. Some of their ideas still have resonance today‚ which goes to show how much of an impact their theories have in regard to human nature. Machiavelli is a Christian‚ and his religion shaped a lot of his opinions on civilization. He believes that
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character‚ Macbeth‚ can be compared in many was to a Machiavellian prince. Macbeth’s ambition to be king and his desire for power are the basis of Machiavelli’s ideas‚ but when examined more closely we find many flaws in Macbeth’s character that Machiavelli warns will be destructive. Although Macbeth has many Machiavellian characteristics‚ Macbeth’s rise to power without true "fortune" or "virtue" leads him to his downfall. The character of Macbeth is a classic example of a Shakespearean tragic
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and a few famous battles are referenced within the book’s many chapters. Although it is unclear whether the book was to be taken seriously or it is a work of satire is unclear‚ the excessive and flowery praise of Loronzo De’Medici‚ whose family Machiavelli fought against on more than one occasion‚ leads the reader to the latter mind set. Although there are many historians who believe that The Prince is a “job application of sorts”1 meant to endear himself to the powerful family. “And although I deem
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