Machiavelli: A Timeless Resource 1

MALT 2005-1 Course LT 516

Assignment 1.2

Machiavelli: A Timeless Resource

Stacey Crawford
MALT 2005-1
Royal Roads University

May 4, 2005

Faculty Advisor:
Elizabeth Cull
 Machiavelli: A Timeless Resource 2

It is commonly suggested that reinterpretation of Niccolo Machiavelli’s book, The

Prince, as a cornerstone of political science is exaggerated. Indeed, many theorize that

Machiavelli is profoundly immoral, his methods epitomizing all that is evil. It is my

contention that The Prince allows us to draw literal and parallel views to our modern day

corporate, political, and social structures, thus rendering this work a timeless resource for

those interested in the realistic acquisition and maintenance of power.

In my opinion, Machiavelli was not as evil as he is understood to be in popular

thought. I attribute this perspective to the negative connotation that may be conveyed by

the above phrase “acquisition and maintenance of power”. Disturbing to the idealist, this

perspective is perhaps encouraged by the obvious abuses of power that are commonly

reported on in modern society. However, this in itself serves as an example of

Machiavelli’s insight, as he addresses this as an issue of an acquisitive failing stating,

“But when they persist in attempts that are beyond their power, mishaps and blame

ensue” (Machiavelli, trans. 1992, chap. 3).

Machiavelli was describing the rules of the game that have existed throughout

time for many situations involving the behavioural characteristics of individuals and the

populace. Neither good nor bad, he puts forward pragmatic arguments and logical

approaches to the necessities of practical leadership.

Perhaps the perception that The Prince is a work of political philosophy is not

entirely complete. It is my view that this treatise is an early masterpiece of psychology.

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Not only did Niccolo Machiavelli understand the way in which rulers should govern their

principalities; he also understood the raw mechanics of the human mind far better than

any of his day, and arguably many psychologists in modern times.

The acquisition and maintenance of power is a matter of perspective and

situational context, heavily influenced by the behavioural psychology of the people under

this power. I support this personal supposition with my perspective that Machiavelli

fashioned his treatise with the best interests of all Italians in mind. He was not interested

in rule at the expense or total destruction of the populace. I believe it is the application of

power that so upsets his detractors, however, it is the characteristic behaviour of man that

underpins the need for order and obedience. Machiavelli understood that men are

“thankless, fickle, false, studious to avoid danger, greedy of gain, devoted to you while

you area able to confer benefits upon them…but in the hour of need they turn against

you” (Machiavelli, trans. 1992, chap. 17).

How Machiavellianism is defined is how those who master Machiavelli's rules

use their power and position. Machiavelli was a principled individual, and he was also

impassively practical. His ability to see beyond the clouding of emotion and ego was

remarkable, but it does not make him synonymous with evil.

When these principals do not exist, or there is a refusal to live by the constraints

outlined, Machiavelli's rules take on their evil cloak, “A prince, as I have said before,

sooner becomes hated by being rapacious” (Machiavelli, trans. 1992, chap. 18). In this,
 Machiavelli: A Timeless Resource 4

we see the emergence of the dark side of leadership and, in my opinion, the origin and

attribution of opposing opinion which offends the modern sensibilities.

During the past 500 years, The Prince has earned a place in history as a basis of

leadership philosophy. Machiavelli uses deductive reasoning and logic to break down

complicated leadership situations with a clear understanding of the behavioural outcome

of the populace. He demonstrates how a leader should act in these situations, seeing

people for what they are, not what they should be.
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REFERENCES

Dover Unabridged (1992). The Prince (N. Machiavelli). New York: Dover Publications,

Inc. (Original work published 1513)

Royal Roads University. (n.d.). Unit 1: Content – Machiavelli: Historical Context.

Retrieved May 3, 2005, from Royal Roads University Web site:

http://learn.royalroads.ca/ID/ViewContent.aspx?

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