The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli

Upon this a question arises: whether it be better to be loved than feared or feared than loved? It may be answered that one should wish to be both, but, because it is difficult to unite them in one person, it is much safer to be feared than loved, when, of the two, either must be dispensed with.

Hailed by some to be the first significant work of political science, The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli serves as a guidebook of how a dictator can gain and keep power. It does so in as little as 114 pages. This book is my favorite of the books we have covered over the past few weeks. I hope to, one day, offer my analysis and translation of this beautiful book, attempt to peer through the text and see if there is the same Machiavelli who championed self-governance or if something happened along the way that wiped the slate clean of his Discourses of Livy, transforming Machiavelli into the man whom we think of him as today.

The Prince begins with Machiavelli explaining that this book is a gift to Lorenzo the Magnificent, the heir apparent to the oligarchy of Florence. In so doing, Machiavelli establishes himself as a supporter of Lorenzo and offers his interpretation of power within the text. These interpretations, as opposed to other discourses on power at that time, do not take a moral stance. Savagely cynical, Machiavelli explains that hereditarian princedoms are the easiest to hold, and while new princedoms have difficulties, there are simple methods to establish control. What Machiavelli lays out is what I have come to call the Conquering Trivium:

1.    Punish the delinquents

2.    Clear out the suspects

3.    Secure yourself in the weakest places

For Machiavelli, these steps are crucial to ensure one’s newly found authority.

Machiavelli explains that there are only three ways to conquer a state accustomed to living in freedom: he can obliterate it, reside there in person, or draw a tribute and establish a governing body with veto power. However, Machiavelli explains that the third option breeds contempt and suggests that the safest method is destruction; the second method is to reside there himself, so he may resolve disputes as they happen. When they eventually do, Machiavelli suggests a cue de grace instead of prolonged assault, as a swift attack makes one feared by the populous, while long campaigns create hatred amongst the people.

Machiavelli suggests that a new Prince must obtain peace in his domain through the mastery of war. Such skills are acquired through following in the footsteps of great men and playing devil’s advocate with every concept of statecraft. Furthermore, Machiavelli suggests that to obtain victory, a Prince must always assume that their enemy is more robust, innovative, and connected. In this manner, a Prince will never take an adversary lightly, increasing his respect among the people.

I could go on for a hundred pages (and one day, I may) about this book, but I will highly suggest two chapters from this magnificent book for you to take notes on.

The first is Chapter XVI: Concerning Liberality and Meanness. This chapter explains that welfare states cannot and will never last long enough to give their Prince glory. Furthermore, Machiavelli suggests that liberality leads to hatred from one’s subjects. However, Machiavelli does have a caveat concerning philanthropy: only be gracious towards your people with someone else’s resources!

The following chapter is number XVII: Concerning Cruelty and Clemency and Whether It Is Better to be Loved Than Feared. This chapter grants Machiavelli his legacy, though it is often misquoted. Machiavelli acknowledges that a wise ruler prefers to be feared and loved. However, Machiavelli explains that too much mercy allows for disorders to arise, leading to murders, robberies, and a sub-standard light cast upon the Prince. Therefore, Machiavelli postulates that fear is more difficult to overcome and easier to instill than love. The only warning that Machiavelli gives is that one must avoid only hatred. Machiavelli explains that the Prince need not fear an uprising so long as a citizen’s property and honor remain intact.

I recommend either the Fall River Press translation from Barnes & Noble or the W.K. Marriott translation. While I disagree with her conclusions, Erica A. Benner has a translation and her own biography of Machiavelli that is worth looking into.

Estimated Reading Time: 2hrs. 59min.