TOW #16: IRB - "The Prince" by Niccolo Machiavelli

As The Prince was a manual on how a principality should rule, not only is it an outline, but every point made by Machiavelli is its own argument. The way Machiavelli speaks about his version of an ideal government is simplistic and straight-forward. Machiavelli uses comparisons and references to previous governments and rulers in history to provide concrete evidence for his arguments in order to convince his audience. With Machiavelli's manual of how tow to manage and become a strong state, his recipe for gaining and maintaining sovereign power has been revolutionary. His stance on the issues of politics and morality continue have questioned people for centuries, even until today.

Through his detailed writing, Machiavelli shows, by physical length and description, that there are many aspects of a government that must be run properly in order to be and remain successful; by using comparisons, Machiavelli provides evidence to support his claims. An example of Machiavelli's use of comparisons is seen when comparing auxiliaries, which he claims are "the other useless kind of troops" (83) to a mercenary army. Machiavelli state that "auxiliaries are fatal; they constitute a united army, wholly obedient to the orders of someone else; but mercenaries, having conquered, need more time and opportunity to harm you...wise princes, therefore, have always shunned auxiliaries and made use of their own forces" (84), showing two major points of Machiavelli's arguments seen in many chapters: a prince must be the leader of the military and that arms must be used. In this comparison, Machiavelli states that auxilaries are fatal due to the lack of connection between the soldiers and the prince, while mercenaries, which were conquered by the prince, are the better option. This comparison that Machiavelli uses shows not only the best option for weaponry, but also ruling. The comparisons provide evidence to further support his claims, helping him convince his audience: Medici.

Throughout the entire book, Machiavelli shows his knowledge for politics through the studies of previous rulers and governments. Displaying this knowledge in his writing, Machiavelli uses references to previous principalities and states as concrete, historical evidence to show the qualities that lead to the downfall of such governments, and how to avoid the same fate. An example of Machiavelli's usage of history is seen when he famously discusses cruelty and compassion in Chapter XVII. Stating that "Cesare Borgia was accounted cruel; nevertheless, this cruelty of his reformed the Romagna, brought it unity and restored order and obedience" (95). This example of the Duke of Valentinois expands upon Machiavelli's point that cruelty and fear is, at times, needed to provide the best for the state and the people. Using concrete examples, especially ones of history, help Machiavelli in his arguments of how to avoid the deathly downfall that other principalities have reached.

Machiavelli, in his famous book, The Prince, uses comparisons and references to previous rulers and governments in order to provide concrete evidence for his arguments; thus, his arguments are more persuasive. The effective argumentation that Machiavelli uses, along with his straight-forward claims and descriptive content, has made a lasting impression on the world. Many rulers have followed Machiavelli's points in order to create the best state possible. Though some of his ideas are morally and politically questionable, Machiavelli makes readers question, even until today, to what extent a ruler must go so that his state may thrive.