NICCOL

MACHIAVELLI

| BIOGRAPHY |
Niccol Machiavelli was born in Florence, Italy on May 3, 1469.
Intrigued by government and philosophy at a young age, Machiavelli
dedicated fourteen years of his life as a diplomat to the Florentine
Republic.
When the Medici family regained authority of Florence, Machiavelli
was dismissed of his position and thrown into jail. Here, Machiavelli
found himself studying Roman literature and composing his own
works regarding mans potential in monarchial governance.
One of these works, The Prince (1532), takes a realistic approach on
the capabilities of a powerful ruler. In this respect, The Prince defines
the humanist values of the Renaissance.
Today, Machiavellis poems, plays, and revolutionary works including
The Prince earn him the legacy of the father of modern political
theory.

| THE PRINCE |
The Prince (1532) by Niccol Machiavelli
is perhaps one of the greatest literary
works surviving the Renaissance era.

Expressively dedicated to Lorenzo de

Medici, The Prince serves as a guide for
effective monarchial rule.

An early edition of The Prince

(1550)

In summary, The Prince accentuates cruel

and deceitful tactics as the most efficient
methods to hold and enact power in a
monarchial state.

|THE PRINCE|
AND HUMANISM

The Renaissance value of humanism greatly influences The Prince because

Machiavelli, a humanist himself, targets human nature in portraying the ideal
monarchy. Humanists of the Renaissance were devout proponents of human
potential; throughout The Prince, Machiavelli articulately examines the dynamics
of humanity. He understands that while a good ruler should possess some
admirable qualities, it is impossible for any authentic being to be entirely good.
Therefore, Machiavelli introduces the concept that characteristics like cruelty
and dishonesty are necessary to effectively hold power over a state.

Unlike other humanists of his time, Machiavelli was perhaps the first to
creatively explore relatively unethical methods of rule while roaming within the
intellectual bounds of humanism. This is why The Prince is considered to be
such a great work from the Renaissance period: Machiavelli attempts to
summarize human nature from a disturbingly accurate and realistic standpoint.

|THE PRINCE|
AND INDIVIDUALISM

The Renaissance virtue of individualism is also represented in Machiavellis work,

The Prince. Individualists of the Renaissance believed in a self-reliant and
independent mind, one that worked towards the promotion of self-interest.
Machiavelli highlights these virtues when he advises rulers on how to achieve
absolute power. He even takes the time to point out specific characteristics that
would contribute to the individualistic well-being of a prince: courage, cruelty,
craftiness, confidence, and intelligence.

Machiavellis individualistic and perhaps psychological approach in identifying

human characteristics helps contribute to The Princes overall fame and legacy. This
is because he was among the first to tackle an in-depth analysis of the relationship
between a person and his quest for personal glory.

|THE PRINCE|
AND SCIENTIFIC NATURALISM

Scientific naturalism plays a significant role in the philosophy behind The Prince.
This doctrine goes hand in hand with humanism as Machiavelli takes a realistic
approach in summarizing the average qualities that compose human nature.
Scientific naturalists of the Renaissance focused prominently on viewing the
world from the most realistic perspective humanly possible. In this way,
Machiavelli examines human traits with natural assumptions and tries to stray as
far as possible from supernatural or religious affiliations.

Part of The Princes literary significance can be attributed to its recurring themes of
realism and naturalism. It is widely recognized for its brutal honesty; for example,
Machiavelli argues that a prince should force his people to depend on him,
whether it entails supplying limited resources or freedoms. While they may be
unethical, Machiavellis tactics are truly authentic.

|THE PRINCE|
AND SECULARISM

Secularism is the fourth and final Renaissance doctrine that heavily influences
Machiavellis The Prince. Secularists of the Renaissance promoted full separation
of Church and government. Similarly, Machiavelli never uses religious
reasoning to back his claims in his book. While he mentions that common
people have strong ties to religion, it is evident that he believes spiritual
argument is futile. Instead of being bound by supernatural or religious forces
imposed by the Church, Machiavelli argues that man himself holds the ability
to control his own destiny, which is why scientific logic reigns superior in the
assertions of The Prince.

The Prince is considered a great work of its time because of its ability to move
with the secularist movement of the Renaissance and break away from
prevailing religious themes. Machiavelli even pushes readers to a further level
of secularism, advising them to take his political strategies and challenge the
Church as an institution of power.

THE SPIRIT OF THE

RENAISSANCE
In summary, The Prince by Niccol Machiavelli serves as a precise
representation of the Spirit of the Renaissance.
Using the prevailing sentiments of his revolutionary time, Machiavelli builds
off of the virtues of humanism, individualism, scientific naturalism, and
secularism to create a how-to guide for successful monarchial rule. Every
aspect of his work moves away from the medieval reliance of religion and
uncertainty. Out of science and logic immersed obscure political strategies
that were unknown to rulers of the medieval era. No longer were people
merely defined by groups; Machiavelli urged his readers to use their individual
traits to their advantage. In essence, The Prince radiates the Spirit of the
Renaissance: the confidence and perseverance to own the present, to deviate
the norm, and to become legendary and powerful.