Machiavelli's Virtue

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Machiavelli's concept of what virtue is, is not the typical meaning associated with the word, which would be “moral excellence”. Machiavelli literally uses the Italian word, “virtu”, which does not have an exact English translation. The word seems to be closer in meaning to the Latin word “virtus”, or “manliness”. Translators have difficulty in interpreting “virtu”, often using several words referring to immoral qualities, such as ingenuity or boldness. “Virtu”, to Machiavelli, is the ability of a prince to do whatever must be done in order to be successful and powerful.
In Chapter VI of The Prince, Machiavelli praises leaders like Cyrus, Romulus, and Theseus and uses these men as examples on how to become a successful prince without having to rely on fortune. Such men may face difficulties establishing their leadership, but once they do, they easily achieve security. However, Machiavelli is quick to state that fortune brought these men the opportunity to make use of their “powers of mind”; Romulus would not have become the King of Rome if he had not been …show more content…

Vice must not be criticized if it will benefit the state as a whole and virtue must be ridden if it will be harmful to the prince and his state. All virtuous actions are mitigated by the quality of their efficiency. Chapter XVI of The Prince focuses on the virtue of liberality or generosity and how much it is beneficial for the prince. Machiavelli warns rulers against wasting their wealth on extravagant and unnecessary things purely to show their wealth, for this will negatively affect the citizens. Using Pope Julius II as an example, he observes how new princes must appear generous while they are securing a firm base, but once they have established their power, they should limit their

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