What Are The Similarities Between John Locke And Machiavelli

look at John Locke and Niccole Machiavelli

John Locke and Niccole Machiavelli are two philosophers from the Renaissance period, who focused their work on creating a better society and government. Their work consists of theories of how rulers should rule their land and how they can get their subjects support. Locke’s Two Treaties of Government of Civil Government, is contrary to Machiavelli’s book The Prince. Whereas, Locke’s book is to justify the revolution of when King James II was removed from power, Machiavelli’s book is about how a ruler should exercise his power and gain control. Machiavelli’s theory is similar to dictatorship and Locke’s theory is the basis for classical liberalism. In this paper, similarities and differences of both …show more content…
According to Gleberzon, “King James II claimed that he ruled by “divine right,” that is, he was appointed by God and therefore he was only accountable to God, not man (his subjects)”. Locke was against this as he believed that everyone is equal under the law, so he declared it as tyranny. King James II believed he had absolute power and his subjects did not support this so he was overthrown. Similarly, Machiavelli states in his book, “what remains to be done must be done by you; since …. God will not do everything himself” . Machiavelli believes that the ruler must take things into his hands and not depend on God to help him rule. The ruler has to work and be worthy of the …show more content…
In his book, Machiavelli believes that a ruler should educate himself by reading the history of the past rulers so that the ruler will have knowledge on how to go about wars. Glerberzon states, “ a prince should learn from records of practical or real experience”. Machiavelli’s theory is based on experience to gain knowledge, whereas Locke believes that society should look at reason and the rule of law rather than state of nature. Machiavelli believes that in order to be a good ruler, they have to be willing to be amoral. Glerberzon states, “a Prince must do whatever he has do [good or evil] to retain power, while always maintaining “the appearance of virtue” . Machiavelli theory argues that a ruler must do whatever it takes to gain and hold political power, but in the eyes of his subjects have the appearance of being morally