“All states or dominions which hold or have held sway over mankind are either republics or monarchies” (Machiavelli, 5). Machiavelli states that both monarchies and republics are the most widespread, used forms of government; however, as Machiavelli critiques the way monarchies are run, specifically in Florence under the Medici family, The Prince highlights how republics could be more beneficial. Although The Prince, by Niccolò Machiavelli, discusses both forms of government, the text is still largely relevant to contemporary society. One example of this is that the overall ideas from the text are still practiced in modern politics and culture, fiction and nonfiction. Furthermore, Machiavelli predicted the outcome of fallen monarchies, which
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One example of this is the way that Machiavelli believes power should be taken, by violent actions such as murder. “For it must be noted, that men must either be caressed or annihilated; they will revenge themselves for small injuries, but cannot do so for great ones; the injury therefore that we do to a man must be such that we need not fear his vengeance” (Machiavelli, 11). In today’s society, ‘Machiavellian’ techniques can be seen as ‘harsh’ and ‘cruel’. In addition, Machiavelli’s teachings mostly deal with monarchies and the problems that they face. “I will not here speak of republics, having already treated of them fully in another place. I will deal only with monarchies, and will discuss how the various kinds described above can be governed and maintained” (Machiavelli, 6). Although monarchies do exist in contemporary society, republics are the more popular form of government. Machiavelli states that a leader should not enter in an alliance, unless absolutely necessary. “And here it should be noted that a prince ought never to make common cause with one... unless necessity forces him to it…” (Machiavelli, 95). However, the United States has an alliance with many other countries, yet it remains one of the most dominant forces, military wise. An example of this is NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, whose goal is to, …show more content…
However, The Prince, to the larger extent is still relevant in contemporary society. Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince is not only still relevant, but predicted the fall of monarchies and the rise of other forms of government, such as republics. Although throughout the text Machiavelli does not discuss republics, but rather it discusses monarchies, it is apparently evident the rule of the government in Florence must change some of its ways. The Prince explains how Machiavelli believes the Medici family must go about the change. Yet, Machiavelli discusses how difficult changing government can be. “It must be considered that there is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things” (Machiavelli,
One example of this is the way that Machiavelli believes power should be taken, by violent actions such as murder. “For it must be noted, that men must either be caressed or annihilated; they will revenge themselves for small injuries, but cannot do so for great ones; the injury therefore that we do to a man must be such that we need not fear his vengeance” (Machiavelli, 11). In today’s society, ‘Machiavellian’ techniques can be seen as ‘harsh’ and ‘cruel’. In addition, Machiavelli’s teachings mostly deal with monarchies and the problems that they face. “I will not here speak of republics, having already treated of them fully in another place. I will deal only with monarchies, and will discuss how the various kinds described above can be governed and maintained” (Machiavelli, 6). Although monarchies do exist in contemporary society, republics are the more popular form of government. Machiavelli states that a leader should not enter in an alliance, unless absolutely necessary. “And here it should be noted that a prince ought never to make common cause with one... unless necessity forces him to it…” (Machiavelli, 95). However, the United States has an alliance with many other countries, yet it remains one of the most dominant forces, military wise. An example of this is NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, whose goal is to, …show more content…
However, The Prince, to the larger extent is still relevant in contemporary society. Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince is not only still relevant, but predicted the fall of monarchies and the rise of other forms of government, such as republics. Although throughout the text Machiavelli does not discuss republics, but rather it discusses monarchies, it is apparently evident the rule of the government in Florence must change some of its ways. The Prince explains how Machiavelli believes the Medici family must go about the change. Yet, Machiavelli discusses how difficult changing government can be. “It must be considered that there is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things” (Machiavelli,