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For Friday: Machiavelli, The Prince, pp. 32-58 (through Chapter 18)
Just ONE question this time, but an important one:
In Chapter 14, Machiavelli writes that “A prince, therefore, must have no other object or thought, nor acquire skill in anything, except war, its organization, and its discipline. The art of war is all that is expected of a ruler” (47). Why is war more important than anything else, especially considering the ideals of the “Renaissance gentleman” that all men are supposed to embody? How does this advice tie into what we’ve read so far, and explain Machiavelli’s fundamental view of the world—and controlling the world?
ReplyDeleteWar is very important even in peace time; leaders should always be trying to improve their armies, by strategies, equipment and learning the geography of the land around them. A smart leader will be less likely lose or be unprepared, when another may sneak up on their territory, if he always at the top of his game. If a leader starts thinking of more personal or pleasurable things, it is possible that others will see this as a weakness and may find ways to overthrow the leader. Some consider greatness by what possessions they acquire. You must be smart to stay at the top.
Andrew Reeves
ReplyDeleteWar is the most important aspect of the lives of princes because in order to make their people feel safe they must always be prepared to go to war to expand their country or to defend it. This allows the prince to to continue living as he has comfortably without the fear of revolt in his country. In order for a prince to seem the perfect idea of the Renaissance gentleman the prince must be cruel, cunning, conniving, and most importantly intelligent. These qualities are best exemplified when in war. All in all, Machiavelli's fundamental view of this world is that you must be willing to go to war for your ideals and state of life.
According to Machiavelli, war is inevitable. You cannot avoid war by putting it off until you are ready or until your enemies are deemed to be ready. So continual improvement of your military is a key to growth as a leader and civilization. If you avoid the development of a war machine and focus on learning other skills or gaining other objects, you expose yourself to the pitfalls of unpreparedness. While it is desirable to have shiny things or be able to develop new technologies or skills, it is pointless if you cannot stave off an enemy. Protection of your realm is of the utmost importance and should not be sacrificed for any other things. The people will feel safer and in turn produce more objects and skills for you if you are prepared militarily. This also goes to the point that Machiavellian societies are always on the offensive, attempting to gain at all costs. This shows a certain amount of cruelty and cunning, but most importantly shows the willingness and strength to preserve the civilization.
ReplyDeleteJacob Anderson
ReplyDeleteWar needs to be the focus because it is the one thing that creates or destroys societies in this day and age. If a prince is always prepared for war, even in times of peace, then his and his people's chances of survival are greatly increased. There are always other people wanting to bring you down and take what is yours. Knowing you and your followers are prepared gives a sense of confidence and safety. Also, if the prince is ready at all times then his people will believe in him and be more trustworthy.
The price must always be on guard. The welfare of the kingdom is in his hands alone. He must be ready and willing to defend his subjects and his property and he must be ready and willing to do whatever is necessary to do so. The safety of the people and the way of life are in his hands. If a prince can anticipate his enemies next move he can thwart these and prevent any damage.
ReplyDeleteThe prince should always have his army ready to go in case another country tries invade them. Just because they're not ready to attack doesn't mean that their enemies will wait on them to get ready to go to war. They can never get to peaceful in their environment. His view is to be ready to go to war because you want to gain control of the world. They way to do that is to invade other countries and get control of them. The more people that you have control over the more that you rule.
ReplyDeleteDarrell Wetselline
ReplyDeleteI think the book suggest that war is important because the winner is then the ruler. Then the conquering and expanding can begin with the winner. It seems like that is the ultimate goal. The prince must make sure his army can battle any other force and come out on top just so he can expand his empire. The more land conquered the more power he can have. That alone just seems like the ultimate goal. Like he must attain that no matter what. I feel like its a guideline to ruling. I don't know this books hard to understand.
Albanie Beck
ReplyDeleteThe Prince should always expect the unexpected and have his army ready to fight. Being a prince is hard. You have to protect your country and your people and act like you aren't afraid of anything. The ideal of a renaissance man is thought up to be as cruel, cunning, fearless, intelligent, and strong. But the prince also has to be trustworthy by his people. If he isn't liked by his people then he won't be a good ruler and the kingdom will fall.
Kyle Straughn
ReplyDeleteI think it is really worth remembering what the The Prince is all about: being the greatest ruler possible. In antiquity and the middle ages leadership was usually granted to the best war chiefs. This makes sense when you consider that both wealth and safety were most easily acquired with a sword. So it follows that the art of any leader of those times was the art of war. The best defense is a good offense so any prince that wants to stay in power would necessarily choose to engage in war. By that logic a prince's life and livelihood rely on his military prowess. This is compounded when one considers that the attitudes that make an effective head of state (cunning, paranoia, determination, duplicity, and a through acquaintance with fortune, both good and bad) are the same attitudes trained by war.
War is more important than anything else because it shows that he is a strong leader, can protect his people, and has the means to create a huge civilization. War is more important than anything else because what if you get attacked and you're not ready for it, you could lose your kingdom. You always need to be thinking about war and be on your guard. And as long as you're smart enough and you consider everything, according to Machiavelli that is what a true leader is.
ReplyDeleteThe Prince is focused on being all that he possibly can be. I mean he could be the richest guy in the world but it ain't going to mean crap if you can't even defend your own country. Plus it is always good to be prepared because you never know what could be coming. His people will not look up to him if he couldn't even have a decent army. The stronger your army the power you have. If you are able to defete any and everyone who tries to conquer then you will remain on top. The more structured and focused the prince is on maintaining his power the more likely his army will succeed and he will not have to fear every being overthrown
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