What is Machiavelli most famous for?

What is Machiavelli most famous for?

Niccolò Machiavelli, (born , Florence [Italy]—died J, Florence), Italian Renaissance political philosopher and statesman, secretary of the Florentine republic, whose most famous work, The Prince (Il Principe), brought him a reputation as an atheist and an immoral cynic.

What is the main idea of The Prince by Machiavelli?

The general theme of The Prince is of accepting that the aims of princes – such as glory and survival – can justify the use of immoral means to achieve those ends. From Machiavelli's correspondence, a version appears to have been distributed in 1513, using a Latin title, De Principatibus (Of Principalities).

What did Machiavelli believe about politics?

Machiavelli proposed that immoral behavior, such as the use of deceit and the murder of innocents, was normal and effective in politics. He also notably encouraged politicians to engage in evil when it would be necessary for political expediency.

What is The Prince about written by Machiavelli?

Niccolò Machiavelli The Prince/Authors The Prince, political treatise by Niccolò Machiavelli, written in 1513. A short treatise on how to acquire power, create a state, and keep it, The Prince represents Machiavelli's effort to provide a guide for political action based on the lessons of history and his own experience as a foreign secretary in Florence.

What did Machiavelli believe?

Machiavelli believed that public and private morality had to be understood as two different things in order to rule well. As a result, a ruler must be concerned not only with reputation, but also must be positively willing to act unscrupulously at the right times.

Why was Machiavelli important to the Renaissance?

Machiavelli was a Florentine political theorist and also a statesman. Though considered a controversial figure in political history, he has been identified as exclusive in his influence during the renaissance especially due to his manual in 1532, the prince. ... His work in the prince aimed the Medici who was ruling Italy.

What is Machiavelli's view on human nature?

According to Machiavelli human nature is completely selfish and full of ego and that they always think about their own self interest like the masses desire safety and security and the ruler wants power, and that they are very selfish to gain and conquer their motives.

Why did Machiavelli get exiled?

Machiavelli's political life took a downward turn after 1512, when he fell out of favor with the powerful Medici family. He was accused of conspiracy, imprisoned, tortured and temporarily exiled. ... The Prince not only failed to win the Medici family's favor, it also alienated him from the Florentine people.

What does Machiavelli believe is most important for a ruler?

Machiavelli Believed Great Leaders Had These 5 Qualities These necessary characteristics include being feared or loved (but not hated), having the people's support, convincingly displaying virtues, using one's own arms, and having intelligence.

What kind of person was Machiavelli?

Machiavelli was a 16th century Florentine philosopher known primarily for his political ideas. His two most famous philosophical books, The Prince and the Discourses on Livy, were published after his death.