TOW #13: IRB - ""The Prince" by Niccolo Machiavelli

en.wikipedia.org

Machiavelli's book, The Prince, contains knowledge and information that Machiavelli has gathered throughout the years by observation and experience. In order to preserve and help the statehood of Florence flourish, Machiavelli lists the qualities of an ideal state and sends them to Lorenzo Medicini. In his arrangement of the book and use of examples, Machiavelli supports his claim of what characteristics the perfect nation has.

http://www.themedicifamily.com/Lorenzo-de-Medici.html

 

The Prince's arrangement involves lists of what is principality to human affairs within the state. Organized from broad to specific, Machiavelli begins with a general overview of what constitutes a state. As he continues his book, Machiavelli becomes more specific in his context transitioning from economical settlements to qualities of a wise ruler. In addition to physically listing his points, Machiavelli provides smooth transitions from each point that he makes. For example, after stating the actions needed to take place in order to successfully conquer a nation, he transitions into what the prince must do after the nation is now in his hands.

To support his arguments, Machiavelli uses many examples of previous principalities. For example, when Machiavelli claims that in new states, that are derived from old rulers, the people will revolt in order to change their leader, he exemplifies the downfall of "Louis XII, king of France" who "speedily occupied Milan and speedily lost it" (35). In addition, Machiavelli shares the importance of keeping the culture of the native people in the conquered state. He states that "so long as their old ways of life are undisturbed and there is no divergence in customs, men live quietly" which can be exemplified "in the case of Burgundy, Britanny, Gascony, and Normandy, which have been with France for so long...their customs are similar" (36).

With his excellent arrangement that provides both a clear outline of his key points and smooth transitions between each point along with great evidence, Machiavelli attempts to convince Medici of what he should do to preserve Florence. As Florence's government and statehood is slowly coming to an end, Machiavelli devotes himself and his knowledge to the creation of The Prince as an attempt to save Italy.