Thoughts on Machiavelli

A detailed Summary of Thoughts on Machiavelli

It was obvious to me upon reading the first sentence of Machiavelli's thoughts on government that I was going to have to shift my train of thought from one extreme to the other. That is why I would like to focus on the first portion of the reading, "A Prince's Duty Concerning Military Matters." I would not like to choose sides in the matter of how a ruler should apply his power. I feel that there are plenty of advantages and disadvantages about the ways that both Lao-tzu and Machiavelli choose to rule their people. However I strongly disagree with most of what Machiavelli has to say in this first section.

Let's take the first sentence for example, he states that a prince must essentially devote himself to war, and everything to do with war. He may be exaggerating his view to get a point across because that is his way of communication, but

I dont feel that he has any justification in saying such a thing. I feel that this idea of war is something to take into consideration and in times of need it should be taken very seriously. I do not feel that one should devote himself to the likes of war, especially if said person happens to be in control of a nation. I feel that this will in turn be the cause of poor decision making as well as the downfall of character. A ruler must not overlook any department of government with belligerance as his guide. A prince's mind should be everyones but his own. The reason I say this is because in this first paragraph he goes on to support war by stating that it is "the only profession which benefits one who commands." I feel that this kind of mindset is the perfect way to bring one's people against oneself. I know that Machiavelli would hate to

Some common words found in the essay are:
Lao-tzu Machiavelli, , Military Matters, Hitler Machiavelli, Death Fear,

Approximate Word count = 573
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History

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Thoughts on Machiavelli

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