Machiavelli was a Florentine philosopher best known for his political ideas in the 16th century. After his death, his two most famous philosophical works, The Prince and Discourses on Livy, were published. His impact has been massive, with the possible exception of Kant; no philosopher since antiquity has had such a profound impact on his successors. Machiavelli uses his writing to portray himself, which helps define his character as he advises rulers about the ruling.
From reading the book titled The Prince, I would characterize Machiavelli as an authoritative figure through his analysis of other historical commanders, most notably Cesare Borgia, where he establishes himself capable of offering military and governmental advice to a ruler. Furthermore, he appears as a creative and literary author who uses his fertile imagination to portray the relationship between the people and their opposites, the nobles and the upper classes from aristocratic families.
Furthermore, Machiavelli depicts himself as a disciplined leader giving guidance to autocrats and tyrants. The Prince is replete with advice on moderation and self-discipline. For example, Machiavelli insists that a prince should use cruelty appropriately and sparingly (Machiavelli 8). Furthermore, he advises leaders not to oppress people and take their women or property (Machiavelli 17). Leaders are expected to be faithful, merciful, honest, and religious. Therefore, he advocates for attributes that portray him as a self-disciplined leader.
Lastly, he presents himself as a knowledgeable leader through his writings. Leaders are expected to be self-knowledgeable, where self-knowledge entails being aware of one’s abilities while also possessing the paradoxical ability to be firmly flexible. It is not enough to be constantly moving. One must also be ready and willing to change directions at any time. It’s not enough to recognize one’s limitations. For instance, Machiavelli presents that fortune varies and has the potential to ruin obstinate individuals (Machiavelli 25). Furthermore, one must be ready and willing to turn a disadvantage into an advantage at all times. Success is never a long-term accomplishment.
Works Cited
Machiavelli, Niccolò. The Prince. Penguin Classics, 2014.