In this essay I will briefly discuss the life of Saint Francis, his views, what his virtues mean and what it means to follow in his way of life. Saint Francis is a true example of a saint and it is easily understood why he is still beloved and honored to this day. I will also discuss his views in comparison to Machiavelli, and explain why I respect St. Francis’s views, but do not see them as realistic or applicable in all situations.
In class we discussed the concept of asceticism and how it was an important way of life for Saint Francis and the other monks. Asceticism is a typically religious view that means to avoid any self indulgence and adhere to strict discipline. This makes sense as the Franciscan monks live by three important virtues: …show more content…
I find it difficult to agree with one or the other because it is hard to compare someone speaking of how to live, in comparison to how to rule. Saint Francis believed in kindness and peace, no matter the situation. Machiavelli believed in order to be a successful ruler, you must be able to be authoritative and forceful when necessary, however this may not be his beliefs for an every day citizen. It is easy to conclude that Saint Francis would believe his standard holds true no matter your societal position. Although I would like to agree with Saint Francis, it seems unrealistic for a ruler, especially in his time period. If a Franciscan monk was in charge of a city, it is very likely it would be overrun immediately. In a more perfect world I believe everyone should follow the virtues and actions of Saint Francis. However, as Machiavelli said, “If men were entirely good this precept would not hold, but because they are bad, and will not keep faith with you, you too are not bound to observe it with them” (The Prince, Chapter 18, pg. 39). I think this quote also pertains to this situation, because if everyone was entirely good, we could live by Saint Francis’s viewpoints regardless of social status or job title. However, because everyone is not good, a leader is unlikely to succeed in protecting his city and people without ever using weapons or
In class we discussed the concept of asceticism and how it was an important way of life for Saint Francis and the other monks. Asceticism is a typically religious view that means to avoid any self indulgence and adhere to strict discipline. This makes sense as the Franciscan monks live by three important virtues: …show more content…
I find it difficult to agree with one or the other because it is hard to compare someone speaking of how to live, in comparison to how to rule. Saint Francis believed in kindness and peace, no matter the situation. Machiavelli believed in order to be a successful ruler, you must be able to be authoritative and forceful when necessary, however this may not be his beliefs for an every day citizen. It is easy to conclude that Saint Francis would believe his standard holds true no matter your societal position. Although I would like to agree with Saint Francis, it seems unrealistic for a ruler, especially in his time period. If a Franciscan monk was in charge of a city, it is very likely it would be overrun immediately. In a more perfect world I believe everyone should follow the virtues and actions of Saint Francis. However, as Machiavelli said, “If men were entirely good this precept would not hold, but because they are bad, and will not keep faith with you, you too are not bound to observe it with them” (The Prince, Chapter 18, pg. 39). I think this quote also pertains to this situation, because if everyone was entirely good, we could live by Saint Francis’s viewpoints regardless of social status or job title. However, because everyone is not good, a leader is unlikely to succeed in protecting his city and people without ever using weapons or