We have all heard “The ends justify the means” in conjunction with the renaissance politician Niccolo Machiavelli. This quote paints him as a sketchy, heartless, ruthless, double-crossing politician. When I heard his famous saying, I wanted to find out, what events in his life lead him to believe in such heartless way of life? Also, did he ever use this mantra in his own life? As I started my search for the answer, I learned MACHIAVELLI NEVER ACTUALLY SAID THE ENDS JUSTIFY THE MEANS (CS Monitor)! Is he really as dishonest as history describes him? Regardless, Machiavelli's name is used to describe those who cleverly bend rules and morals to suit their needs. Saying the 500 year-old, florentine politician has a bad reputation is not far from
…show more content…
Welcome to the Florentine political scene just shy of the 16th century. It’s 1490 and Florence is ruled by Lorenzo the Magnificent of the Medici family. Also taking the stage is a priest by name Girolamo Savonarola who is gaining popularity by spreading his ideas for a ‘christian renewal’ (tuscany-toscana.info). Lorenzo soon dies and his incompetent son, Piero Medici is left in charge. By 1494 the Medici family is sent to exile and Savonarola is in charge (pbs.org). Enter 25 year old Machiavelli. He realized that Savonarola saw no potential in him as perhaps a protege, because he was not an avid christian. So in 1498, he helped take down Savonarola. In doing that, he secured himself a place as a diplomat in the Ten of War; a government organization involved in foreign affairs, civil affairs, warfare etc (Brandeis University). Basically a political jackpot. At this time, Piero Soderini becomes leader of Florence and selected Machiavelli to be his political advisor. Keep in mind that Soderini is …show more content…
Now that is good enough evidence that proves Machiavelli really was a skeez, for lack of better term. But, there is much debate to whether The Prince was a satire (Brandeis University). If you remember, it was written as a pretty-please-with-two-cherries-on-top-take-me-back present to Piero Lorenzo Medici for betraying him. In the book Machiavelli describes unscrupulous, cruel ways to hold power and control people. Basically telling Medici, I am da greatest and smartest and an awesomesauce advisor. He wrote in his book “The first method for estimating the intelligence of ruler is to look at the people he has around him.”. Three centuries later, it was discovered in writing, where Machiavelli himself wrote that The Prince was written to win the hand the the Medici’s
Welcome to the Florentine political scene just shy of the 16th century. It’s 1490 and Florence is ruled by Lorenzo the Magnificent of the Medici family. Also taking the stage is a priest by name Girolamo Savonarola who is gaining popularity by spreading his ideas for a ‘christian renewal’ (tuscany-toscana.info). Lorenzo soon dies and his incompetent son, Piero Medici is left in charge. By 1494 the Medici family is sent to exile and Savonarola is in charge (pbs.org). Enter 25 year old Machiavelli. He realized that Savonarola saw no potential in him as perhaps a protege, because he was not an avid christian. So in 1498, he helped take down Savonarola. In doing that, he secured himself a place as a diplomat in the Ten of War; a government organization involved in foreign affairs, civil affairs, warfare etc (Brandeis University). Basically a political jackpot. At this time, Piero Soderini becomes leader of Florence and selected Machiavelli to be his political advisor. Keep in mind that Soderini is …show more content…
Now that is good enough evidence that proves Machiavelli really was a skeez, for lack of better term. But, there is much debate to whether The Prince was a satire (Brandeis University). If you remember, it was written as a pretty-please-with-two-cherries-on-top-take-me-back present to Piero Lorenzo Medici for betraying him. In the book Machiavelli describes unscrupulous, cruel ways to hold power and control people. Basically telling Medici, I am da greatest and smartest and an awesomesauce advisor. He wrote in his book “The first method for estimating the intelligence of ruler is to look at the people he has around him.”. Three centuries later, it was discovered in writing, where Machiavelli himself wrote that The Prince was written to win the hand the the Medici’s