The Prince: A Historical Critique

This book presents the historical background of the late 15th to early 16th century to allow understanding of the times. Nicolo Machiavelli came from an old but impoverished family, yet was named Second Chancellor, and Secretary to the Council of Ten for War at age 29. He was commissioned to undertake diplomatic missions to many countries, which influenced his belief in political pragmatism. His travels thru Switzerland inspired his famous remark "only those countries where the people are well-armed are free from foreign or domestic tyranny". The Gonfalonier of Florence insisted on a policy of neutrality, and the peace treaty with Louis XII. After the French army was driven out, the Holy League invaded Florence and restored the Medici as rulers. Perhaps this showed that a treaty between states should only be kept when it is in their interest to do so? Machiavelli was now out of a job; he retired to a small village and wrote his political, historical, and literary works. Just as many out-of-office politicians also do.Books offering advice to rulers were common in Medieval and Renaissance times; self-help books are still best sellers today. Machiavelli said it is better for a ruler to be feared than loved, but never be hated. His book, unlike Erasmus' "The Education of a Christian Prince", was kept by the bed of Charles V.Should the moral laws that apply to ordinary people also apply to the ruler of a sovereign state? The history of our Presidents suggest what that answer is. "Watch what we do, not what we say" was not from a 16th century ruler! By describing how rulers acted, Machiavelli produced a warning so their subjects would not be taken in by their promises; "don't get fooled again".