Comparing Discourses On Livy And The Prince

Niccol Machiavelli is a political philosopher, originating in Florence, who is viewed highly for his prominence during the early years of the 16th-century (Honeycutt). The two texts for which he is the most widely known are his two heavily involved political and historical works, Discourses on Livy, published in 1531, and The Prince, published not long after in 1532. The publication of both texts follow after his death in 1527 (Honeycutt). Based on the significance of both books, it is clear to see that Machiavelli is a very important contributor to politics in all forms, specifically creating discourse in political philosophy. Pieces of writers’ values and intentions typically beam through the pages of their work—however in Machiavelli’s case,

The Discourses on Livy reveals Machiavelli’s disdain for styles of government in which the general public lacks political power. He views the citizens of the state as its intended priority, while insisting that the best scenarios are ones in which the governing power is “in the hands of the people” (Machiavelli, 1531, p. 97). His mindset corresponds to the placement of freedom and equality among citizens at the forefront of a favorable government. Machiavelli demands that the “most necessary” element of an ideal government, deemed a free institution, is the “guardianship of liberty” (Machiavelli, 1531, p. 56). While liberty and freedom are not necessarily interchangeable, in this context it is simple to assume that by liberty he is referring to the establishment and protection of personal freedoms guaranteed to the people by the state. Rejecting governments in which there is no “respect to civil rights,” Machiavelli criticizes “government[s] of the few” for their deficiency in focusing on members outside of its leading class (Machiavelli, 1531, p.

It reads like a descriptive guide, detailing the time period’s politics in a very direct, accurate manner. He explains in detail exactly how power is held by the Medici family, exposing how their control is greatest when the people are made to be fearful and the mechanisms they use to protect their dubious image. He intentionally degrades the common man’s introspection, claiming that it is “easy to persuade” them as they are able to be herded like sheep (Machiavelli, 1532, p. 12). He reminds the people of their lack of freedom, as if they are not likely aware of their situation under the Florentine oligarchy. Going even further, he spews insults by claiming that ruled citizens are “ungrateful, fickle, deceptive, cowardly and greedy” (Machiavelli, 1532, p. 36). Regardless of the alleged incompetence of the people, Machiavelli details how necessary it is for leaders like Medici to protect themselves against being disliked in circumstances where there is an absence of fearfulness. Within an oligarchy, the possibility for the ruler to question their ruler is considered to be dangerous for those few individuals who are in power. Explaining that it is “safer” for a leader to be “feared” as opposed to “loved,” he uncovers the manipulative strategy used by groups such as the Medici family (Machiavelli, 1532, p. 36).