Machiavelli: Personal and Political Implications Essay -- Michiavelli

Machiavelli: Personal and Political Implications "And since it is Fortune that does everything, it is she who wishes us to leave her alone, to be quiet and not give her trouble, and wait until she allows us to act again; then you will do well to strive harder, to observe things more closely...." (67)* Letter to Francesco Vettori in Rome December 10, 1513. Machiavelli is praised for the political implications of his writing in The Prince. However, many do not see the personal implications of Machiavelli's work, because the motivations for action are spoken in terms of political domination and the acquisition of power. There are underlying principles that speak of domination not only of cities and nations, but the domination of the opportunities placed before each individual. The Prince can be read in a different manner; as a manual for daily life and the maximization of opportunity. The mere notion that Machiavelli, a former servant to a Republican government who praises the role of principality, exemplifies his belief that adversity can be a blessing that has not been considered or planned. In The Prince, Machiavelli devotes special attention to the lives of Cesare Borgia and Pope Julius II; men who turned even the most trying circumstances into an opportunity to advance. With careful analysis of The Prince, from the perspective of pe rsonal actions, certain fundamental principles for living are revealed by Machiavelli. The most prominent theme which Machiavelli introduces, and it is the basis upon which he praises Pope Julius II and Cesare Borgia, is to create opportunity where none seems apparent. The first step to achieving the greatness of Borgia and Pope Julius II is to utilize foresight. Princes, according to Mac... ... the political and into the world of the common man, whose virtuous lives make the path of the prince a much smoother one. Moreover, men who appear common can reach the inner sanctum of glory by utilizing the rare instinctive natures given to them. This idea is supported by the author's own self-perception as a commoner who transforms himself nightly by putting on "curtail robes" and entering his study (10). While Machiavelli restricts himself to the praise of princes through his writing, he opens the door to making each person's life meaningful through a healthy perspective of trials and the encouragement to be brave against anything that Fortune may bring. For not all men can prepare to conquer the world, but no one need be deprived of the ability to conquer opportunity. Works Cited: Machiavelli, Niccolo. The Prince. Arlington Heights: Harlan Davidson, 1947