Introduction
Written during the European Renaissance period in Italy, Machiavelli: The Prince highlights the political turbulences and intrigues metaphorically. Further, the book is set against the backdrop of art, science, and literature, where it analyzes how leaders can obtain and maintain power in society. As such, Machiavelli argues that different principalities are acquired through different means and methods. In Chapter One, the authors assert that the dominions and states that wield might over people are either republics or kingdoms resulting from heredity or new formations (Quentin and Price 5). Therefore, the aforementioned groups can be autonomous or under the rule of a king. Furthermore, acquired states were previously free but later became under the prince who conquered them by use of arms (5). Consequently, he highlights how a prince ought to remain relevant and continue ruling his subjects. Consequently, he expounds that such a leader should be cunning and brave while at the same time being understanding to his subjects. This paper delves into the meaning of the metaphors used in relevance to the prince’s traits and concurs with Machiavelli’s views on human nature by expounding on the aforementioned ideas.
The Prince as a Fox and a Lion
The author acknowledges the importance of honoring a promise or word by a leader since it earns the said ruler respect among his subjects. However, since time immemorial, historical experience has proved otherwise. As such, desired success has resulted from tricky and crafty kings. In Chapter XVIII, Machiavelli explains that leaders who have succeeded in ruling have rarely fulfilled their promises by confusing the masses cunningly hence outdoing their counterparts who honored their word (Quentin and Price 59). Further, in warfare, fighting is either through force or by law. In addition, the aforementioned conquering techniques come to beasts or men, respectively.
Therefore, for a prince to be successful, he must learn the art of fighting using both aspects hence becoming a cunning and cruel animal at the same time. To illustrate his point, he gives an example of Achilles and other great ancient leaders raised by Chiron, who became their mentor. According to him, a ruler should imitate a fox that cannot defend itself against wolves but can identify traps and a lion that can be trapped but use its power to frighten its enemies (Quentin and Price 60). This is a metaphor that foreshadows the challenges presidents or princes face during their reigns. On the one hand, as a leader, one must be shrewd and cunning; on the other hand, bravery is necessary to defend oneself against adversaries (60). However, those who depend on power solely end up losing. According to Machiavelli, men are treacherous and are bound to break their promises. Therefore, a king should not honor his word since he has numerous excuses to use when he is unable to fulfill the agreement (60). The author supports this view by alluding to the global leaders who have mastered the art of cunning.
There are various instances across the world where various peace treaties have been broken by kings who imitate the fox analogy. One ancient example is that of Alexander VI, who found men gullible and his deceptions became effective (Quentin and Price 60). The author asserts that a prince should not have the aforementioned character traits but rather seem to have them, thus, giving a leeway for one not to act when it is not favorable. Furthermore, being trustworthy, merciful, devout upright, humane is important and useful. However, if one can refrain, he must be ready to practice the opposite as a prince. Machiavelli presupposes that a new ruler should not operate in ways that are seen as good for his subjects. This is because to maintain power, one should act ruthlessly and treacherously, disregarding the tenets of religion (Quentin and Price 61). As such, he sees leadership as a preserve for the courageous few who are ready to undertake punitive measures to remain in power.
The Human Nature
Through elaborate discussions, Machiavelli illustrates the nature of humans and one can agreeably concur with him on the deceptive nature of people. While some view him as the father of liberalism, many argue that he is an advocate of utilitarian principles, fraud, and force by a ruler over his subjects (Kirby 2). On the contrary, the political thoughts highlighted by Machiavelli in his work negate the traditional concept of liberalism. These include personal liberty, individual rights, limiting government powers, and enhancing personal development (Kirby 2). However, the loci of all the aforementioned tenets rest on people. An insight into his views about human nature, Machiavelli presupposes those men are untrustworthy and deceitful and they do not fulfill their promises. In addition, they judge by using their eyes than their hands (Quentin and Price 61). As such, many see a ruler’s activities as wrong, but a few takes part in opposing him.
As a result, human actions by leaders can rarely be questioned as citizens are concerned with the result or outcome. A ruler can use any means to conquer and subdue his opponents since the common population is impressed by the outcome. Hence the prince will be praised as being honorable (61). Furthermore, human nature is viewed as flawed and selfish, whereas a leader cares for his subjects or destroys them since such people will overthrow the government over flimsy issues. In Chapter III, the author argues that for the prince to rule successfully, one should be friendly since the goodwill of the people plays an important role when annexing a territory (Quentin and Price 7). Therefore, a king should be decisive when using kindness or violence against the subjects. To decide on the latter, a leader must be wise since this will not only affect his image but also his safety hence avoiding revenge. On the other hand, Machiavelli asserts that a prince must have an equal measure of vices and virtues. Therefore, he should do good to his citizens when it is unavoidable while prepared to be ruthless and act unethically as power dictates.
Conclusion
In summation, although the book was written during ancient times, Machiavelli’s political ideas remain relevant in contemporary society. For instance, many world leaders have exhibited political principles expounded by the author. As such, for one to remain relevant, he should be a fox in vision and portray the boldness of a lion. The former can foretell future challenges, thereby maneuvering around the obstacle, while the latter uses his power to conquer its enemies. This metaphor signifies the importance of being cunning, shrewd, courageous, and brave as a leader since the aforementioned traits will enable one to survive in politics. Lastly, I agree with Machiavelli on human nature where men are perceived as deceitful, untrustworthy, and unlikely to honor their agreements. Therefore, those in power should not always fulfill their promises but rather use any means to conquer and subdue their subjects since people are concerned with results.
Works Cited
Kirby, Brandyn. “Machiavelli and Liberalism.” The Macksey Journal, vol. 1, no. 238, 2020, pp. 2-11.
Machiavelli, Niccolo. Machiavelli: The Prince. Edited by Quentin Skinner and Russell Price, 2nd ed., Cambridge University Press, 2019.