How Good People Lose Power | Machiavelli's The Prince

Summary

This video explores 'The Prince' by Niccolò Machiavelli, a political treatise notorious for its realpolitik advice. It delves into Machiavelli's views on power, human nature, and the necessity of rulers to sometimes act immorally for the greater good. The video challenges viewers to consider the relevance of Machiavelli's teachings in today's world, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and the exercise of practical wisdom when applying historical philosophy to modern contexts.

Takeaways

• 📚 'The Prince' by Niccolò Machiavelli is a political treatise that has been controversial for its perceived promotion of ruthless tactics for maintaining power.
• 🧐 Machiavelli challenges the moralistic fallacy, arguing that people are not as virtuous as we might assume, and rulers must acknowledge this reality to maintain power effectively.
• 🤔 The text suggests that being virtuous may not be sufficient for a ruler to maintain stability and security, sometimes requiring actions that might be seen as cruel or immoral for the greater good.
• 🛡️ Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of power and competence for a ruler, advocating for a strong military made up of citizens rather than mercenaries for the state's defense.
• 💪 He argues that self-sufficiency in both personal power and state security is crucial to prevent reliance on potentially unreliable allies.
• 😈 Controversially, Machiavelli advises that a ruler may need to be cruel at times to instill fear and maintain order, which paradoxically can be an act of kindness towards the state's stability.
• 👑 The script discusses the potential downfall of a ruler who is overly concerned with moral actions rather than the pragmatic decisions necessary for effective governance.
• 🕊️ While advocating for certain harsh realities of leadership, Machiavelli's insights are not universally applicable and require adaptation to different contexts and times.
• 🔄 Adaptability is key for a ruler, as different situations may require different approaches and skills, highlighting the complexity of leadership.
• 🚫 The video transcript warns against complacency, stating that even when a state appears secure, a ruler must always be vigilant against potential threats.
• 🤓 Lastly, the importance of practical wisdom is highlighted, urging readers to discern when and how to apply philosophical insights, including those of Machiavelli, to their own lives.

Q & A

What is the main theme of 'The Prince' by Niccolò Machiavelli?

The main theme of 'The Prince' is the pragmatic approach to power and governance, focusing on how rulers can acquire, maintain, and use power effectively, often suggesting methods that may seem morally questionable.

Why was 'The Prince' controversial and considered evil by some?

'The Prince' was controversial because it challenged the prevailing moralistic views on governance, advocating for actions that prioritized political stability and power over traditional virtues, which some saw as promoting tyranny and corruption.

What is the 'moralistic fallacy' as discussed in the script?

The 'moralistic fallacy' is the irrational assumption that the world operates in a certain way because we believe it should. Machiavelli uses this concept to criticize the idealistic views of human nature and governance, arguing that people are naturally self-interested and often act immorally.

How does Machiavelli view the nature of people in relation to governance?

Machiavelli views people as inherently disloyal and self-serving, suggesting that they will act in their own interest, often resorting to immoral or amoral actions. This view underpins his advice to rulers on how to maintain power effectively.

What does Machiavelli suggest about the relationship between being virtuous and being a successful ruler?

Machiavelli suggests that being virtuous alone is not sufficient for being a successful ruler. He argues that a ruler must sometimes act in ways that may seem cruel or immoral to maintain stability and security for their state and people.

Why does Machiavelli recommend building an independent military with citizens rather than relying on mercenaries?

Machiavelli recommends using citizens to build an independent military because they are more likely to fight fiercely to defend their homes and families. Mercenaries, he argues, are unreliable and may flee at the first sign of danger or switch sides for a better contract.

What is the importance of power according to Machiavelli's philosophy?

According to Machiavelli, power is essential for a ruler to achieve anything meaningful. Without the ability to exert power effectively, a ruler's moral virtues have little impact on the well-being and security of their state.

How does Machiavelli define the 'kindness of cruelty' in the context of governance?

Machiavelli defines the 'kindness of cruelty' as the strategic use of fear and punishment to maintain order and prevent chaos. He argues that sometimes, being cruel can be the most effective way to ensure long-term peace and stability for a ruler's state and people.

What is the danger of complacency according to Machiavelli?

The danger of complacency, as per Machiavelli, is that it can lead to the downfall of a ruler and their state. A complacent ruler may become too comfortable, failing to anticipate and prepare for threats, which can result in their power being usurped and the state falling into chaos.

Why does Machiavelli emphasize the importance of adaptability for a ruler?

Machiavelli emphasizes adaptability because ruling requires dealing with a wide variety of situations that cannot be managed with a one-size-fits-all approach. An adaptable ruler can adjust their strategies and methods to suit different circumstances, ensuring the continued success and security of their state.

How can the insights from 'The Prince' be evaluated for relevance in today's context?

The insights from 'The Prince' can be evaluated for relevance by considering the changes in the global political landscape and applying the concept of practical wisdom, or 'phronesis', to determine when and how Machiavelli's advice may be applicable to modern governance and leadership.

Outlines

00:00

📚 The Controversial Legacy of 'The Prince' by Machiavelli

This paragraph introduces 'The Prince,' a political treatise by Niccolò Machiavelli, which has been notorious for its perceived promotion of ruthless political strategies. The book, once banned and labeled as a manual for tyrants, offers a pragmatic rather than an idealistic approach to governance. It challenges the moralistic fallacy, arguing that people are not as virtuous as they should be, and thus, rulers must be prepared to act immorally to maintain stability and security. Machiavelli's work is a critique of traditional political philosophy, advocating for a realistic understanding of human nature and the exercise of power.

05:01

👑 The Necessity of Power and the Virtue of Self-Sufficiency

The second paragraph delves into Machiavelli's belief in the primacy of power for a ruler. It emphasizes that power is essential for a ruler to enact change and maintain order. Machiavelli advocates for the building of a strong military force composed of citizens rather than mercenaries, as they are more likely to defend their homeland vigorously. The paragraph also touches on the concept of self-sufficiency, suggesting that a ruler and their state should not rely on others for security, which aligns with broader philosophical advice on personal independence and self-reliance.

10:03

🔪 The Paradox of Kindness and the Prudence of Cruelty

This section discusses Machiavelli's controversial stance on cruelty as a tool for rulers. He argues that the effective management of fear through occasional cruelty can be more beneficial for maintaining order and preventing chaos than relying on love or gratitude. The paragraph contrasts two approaches: one where a ruler swiftly eliminates threats and establishes peace, and another where a ruler's leniency leads to resentment and potential rebellion. Machiavelli suggests that sometimes, seemingly immoral actions can lead to greater good for the state and its people.

15:04

🛡 The Perils of Complacency and the Importance of Constant Vigilance

The fourth paragraph warns against the dangers of complacency in ruling. Even when a state appears secure and stable, a ruler must remain vigilant against internal and external threats. Machiavelli posits that a state is never truly safe and must always be prepared for potential upheavals. He advises rulers to use times of prosperity to strengthen defenses and prepare for future challenges, reflecting a broader existentialist perspective on the inevitability of suffering and the importance of preparation.

🔄 The Essential Adaptability of a Ruler

The final paragraph highlights adaptability as the key attribute for a ruler, according to Machiavelli. He asserts that the complexities of ruling require a flexible approach, as different situations demand different skills. A ruler must be able to adjust their methods to suit varying circumstances, whether it be wartime strategy or peacetime governance. The paragraph concludes by questioning the relevance of Machiavelli's insights in today's world, suggesting that while his ideas may not be directly applicable, the skill of discerning when and how to apply philosophical wisdom is invaluable.

Keywords

💡Machiavelli

Niccolò Machiavelli was an Italian diplomat, philosopher, and writer who is best known for his political treatise 'The Prince.' In the script, he is discussed as the author of the book that has been described as a guide for tyrants and a manual for the powerful. His ideas on governance and the use of power are central to the video's theme, illustrating a pragmatic approach to politics that often diverges from traditional morality.

💡The Prince

Refers to the seminal work by Machiavelli, which is the main subject of the video script. 'The Prince' is a political treatise that offers advice to rulers on how to maintain power and control. The video discusses its controversial reputation and the lessons it contains about the nature of power and human behavior.

💡Moralistic Fallacy

The moralistic fallacy is the assumption that the world is a certain way because we think it ought to be. In the script, Machiavelli is said to challenge this fallacy by asserting that people are not as virtuous as we might assume, and rulers must operate within this reality rather than idealistic expectations.

💡Virtue

Virtue, in the context of the video, refers to moral excellence or righteousness. It is contrasted with Machiavelli's view that being virtuous is not always sufficient for effective governance. The script uses virtue to explore the tension between moral ideals and the practical necessities of political power.

💡Cruelty

In the script, cruelty is discussed as a tool that a ruler might employ for the stability and security of their reign. Machiavelli is portrayed as advocating for the strategic use of cruelty to maintain order and prevent chaos, which is a departure from traditional moral teachings.

💡Power

Power is a central concept in the video, referring to the authority and control a ruler wields. The script emphasizes the necessity of power for a ruler to effectively govern and protect their state, suggesting that the pursuit of power is more important than moral considerations in certain circumstances.

💡Complacency

Complacency is warned against in the script as a dangerous state of mind for a ruler. It suggests a false sense of security that can lead to the downfall of a state. The video uses the concept to illustrate the need for constant vigilance and adaptability in leadership.

💡Adaptability

Adaptability is highlighted as a crucial quality for rulers in the script. It refers to the ability to adjust and respond effectively to changing circumstances. The video suggests that a ruler who is not adaptable will eventually face insurmountable challenges.

💡Self-Sufficiency

Self-sufficiency in the video is presented as a desirable state for both the ruler and the state, meaning reliance on one's own resources and abilities rather than external aid. It is linked to the idea that a state and its leader should be independent to maintain security and respect.

💡Human Nature

The script discusses Machiavelli's pessimistic view of human nature, suggesting that people are inherently self-interested and unreliable. This perspective shapes his advice on governance and the use of power, as it posits that rulers must account for these tendencies in their rule.

💡Pragmatism

Pragmatism in the context of the video refers to the practical approach to governance that Machiavelli advocates, often at the expense of moral considerations. It is exemplified by his advice for rulers to prioritize stability and security over traditional virtues.

Highlights

The Prince by Machiavelli is a political guide that challenges the moralistic fallacy and suggests that people are naturally disloyal and self-interested.

Machiavelli argues that being virtuous is not enough for a ruler to maintain power and stability, advocating for a more realistic approach to human nature.

The book gained a reputation for promoting evil due to its advice on how rulers should maintain power, often through immoral means.

Machiavelli suggests that rulers should prioritize power and competence to ensure the safety and security of their state.

Self-sufficiency is key to securing respect and preventing invasion, according to Machiavelli's view on statecraft.

Cruelty, when properly applied, can be a tool for rulers to manage fear and maintain order, as Machiavelli explains.

Machiavelli advises rulers to be cruel at times for the good of their reign and the well-being of their people.

Complacency is the cardinal sin for rulers; Machiavelli warns against becoming too comfortable in power.

Adaptability is crucial for rulers, as situations change and require different approaches and skills.

Machiavelli's insights may not directly apply to modern contexts and require discernment and adaptation.

The importance of practical wisdom in applying historical philosophy to contemporary situations is highlighted.

Machiavelli's view on human nature as dangerous and self-interested shapes his advice on governance.

Rulers are advised to inspire fear rather than love or loyalty, as these are more reliable in maintaining power.

Machiavelli's recommendations include breaking agreements and using fear to ensure reliability.

The text explores the ethical conundrum of when to abandon morality for the greater good.

Machiavelli's work is a critique of idealism and a call for rulers to be pragmatic and sometimes ruthless.

The Prince serves as a guide for potential rulers and offers lessons on power dynamics and human behavior.

Transcripts

there will always be something that

looks morally right but will actually

lead to disaster and something else that

looks wrong but will bring security and

success this book was banned for

centuries it has been described as a

manual written for Devils a guide to

tyranny and it was once said that it

would corrupt anyone who read it turning

them into Power hungry Maniacs this is

the prince written by Italian Diplomat

philosopher and owner of a rather

fetching robe Nicolo Machiavelli it is a

political p a damning indictment of

human nature and a guide for Nobles to

maintain their power over the masses

they controlled makavelli purports to

explain how the world of politics and

power actually works and today we're

going to take a look inside and see what

lessons it contains both for the

potential princes among us and for our

everyday lives we will learn why

virtuous people are bad at governing how

being cruel can be a good thing and how

everyone is a bit less moral than you

thought they were just a quick reminder

that this book was aimed at the rulers

of principality that is aristocratic

leaders rather than the governors of

democracies and another reminder that

I'm not mavelli and this is just an

explanation of his ideas and not an

endorsement of all of them but first why

has this book gained such a reputation

for evil well that is our first point

and Ma's first piece of advice for us

all one the fall of idealism the

moralistic fallacy is an irrational

pattern in human thought where we assume

the world is a certain way because we

think that it really ought to be if

you've ever caught yourself being

shocked at a human behav Behavior

because it's just so wrong then you have

fallen victim to this fallacy according

to makavelli the truth is that people do

awful devious and dastardly things all

the time and he is here to remove our

blindfolds and have us see the real

world in all its Grizzly Glory or at

least what he takes the real world to be

prior to makavelli a lot had been

written on the subject of governing but

much of it was by philosophers on how to

be a moral ruler or how to be a good

citizen take Aristotle's politics for

example it is largely concerned with

questions of virtuous governments or

citizenry duties and how to run a states

to promote human flourishing but Maki AI

was having none of this the prince is

aimed at helping rulers do one thing

gain and hold on to power for makavelli

there was a central problem with all of

this moral theorizing about how to be a

virtuous Governor people for the most

part are simply not virtuous he is not

judging them he's just stating what he

sees as a bare fact about the world

according to makavelli people are by

their very nature disloyal out for their

own advantage and will do whatever

immoral or amoral acts that they see fit

in the moment justifying them later with

Twisted ethical reasoning in such a

world a ruler who was only concerned

with the color of their own soul would

be eaten alive and they would soon lose

power makavelli is clear on this point

to be a good person is simply not enough

to be a stable and secure ruler and

sometimes for both a ruler and their

citizenry being stable and secure is

much better than being good makavelli

lived through times of deep struggle in

Italy he had seen city states rise and

fall governments collapse and hordes of

people massacred he knew firsthand that

it was often better to have a ruler that

was aoral but kept their states safe

from harm than a virtuous ruler who

could be duped by foreign powers and

could be quickly invaded his people put

to the sword and his army destroyed and

this is why he hammers in this first

lesson abandon any idealistic Notions of

what you think people are like as far as

he is concerned people are dangerous

self-interested amoral animals who would

sell their grand mother to get ahead in

life he does not rule out the

possibility of some virtuous people in

fact he recommends holding such people

close if you're lucky enough to find

them but he points out it is much better

to have a pessimistic view on people and

be pleasantly surprised than to be

naively optimistic and end up with your

head on a spike this instinct is behind

so much of the advice that he gives in

the prince he recommends that rulers

break previous agreements with their

allies because those allies would betray

them anyway if it was ever convenient he

advises them to inspire fear in their

subjects and in other states because in

his View you love and loyalty are

fleeting whereas Terror sticks in a

man's heart and keeps him reliable when

times are tough he says that one should

care more about looking good than being

good because that's all anyone else is

doing anyway and this is part of what

has earned makavelli a reputation as a

disloyal schema someone willing to do

anything necessary to get what they want

not caring about honesty or morality or

anyone who gets hurt in the process

there is definitely some truth to this

maavi recommends some really shady

behaviors but it is important to

recognize why he does this in his view

politics is a dirty business and if

you're so concerned with being virtuous

that you cannot make the ugly decisions

a leader needs to make to stay in power

then you will just be replaced by

another ruler and probably someone who

is much worse than you in the Grim and

Grizzly World of Renaissance Italy it is

kill or be killed now I have a slightly

more optimistic view on human nature

than makavelli does but nonetheless

there is a grain of Truth in what

makavelli says wherever we are there are

going to be people willing to do

whatever ever it takes to get their own

way and being aware of this fact means

we'll be prepared to deal with these

people with the required severity we may

not have to hang anyone from the city

walls but we might be in a situation

where we have to suspend our normal

morality for the greater good I will

leave it up to you to decide just how

often these situations arise and when we

are justified in abandoning morality for

expediency but while you're chewing on

that ethical conundrum let's return to

what makavelli respects in a ruler and

there is one thing that stands out above

all else if you want more on philosophy

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in the description two the necessity of

power there is a reason makavelli is

seen as a wouldbe dictator despite

spending a lot of his life working as a

diplomat for his home state of Florence

he respects power and competence Above

All Else again it is tempting to see

this as just a symptom of his supposed

psychopathy but there is a lot more to

maki's admiration of the powerful than

meets the eye mavelli points out a truth

that is obvious but often goes

unacknowledged you need power to get

anything done you could have the

cleanest soul in existence but if you

can't get anything done then you may as

well be Satan for all the positive

impact you'll have on the world a few

centuries later this point will be

reiterated in much stronger terms by

German Mustachio philosopher Friedrich

ner but we see it's prefigured in this

classic makavelli text in his view there

is no greater aim a ruler should strive

for than personal power this did not

necessarily mean that the leader

enriched themselves at the expense of

their subjects but rather that they

prioritized the safety and security of

their reign it is no use having policies

that will win the hearts and minds of

your people if it is relatively

effortless for a foreign state to March

past your defenses cut your head off and

replace your government entirely thus

makavelli recommends building up the

independent military might of your state

and he says to do this not with

mercenaries but with your own citizens

he points out that people defending

their homes are going to fight a lot

harder against Invaders whereas

mercenaries were known to flee at the

first real sign of danger and even

switch sides if they're given a better

contract by your opponent but what is

all this power for it is not simply out

of a lust for control but to secure the

self-sufficiency of both you and your

state remember as far as makavelli is

concerned every Alliance you have with

every other power will collapse at the

first sign of blood in the water so you

cannot depend on anyone else for your

Security self-sufficiency will not only

secure the respect of neighboring states

preventing them from invading but also

the fear and admiration of your subjects

and I can't help but draw some parallels

with this idea of self-sufficiency and

wisdom other philosophers have given

given about our everyday lives one of my

favorite pieces of stoic advice is to

cultivate your ability to be happy on

your own senica once advise people to

abandon all their possessions and loved

ones and go and live in the wilderness

for a bit just to prove that their

happiness was totally self-sufficient

this would not only secure the respect

of others who cannot help but admire

someone who does not need anything for

their peace of mind but it also secures

your self-respect this is perhaps the

most valuable thing anyone can have

after all if someone hates us and holds

Us in contempt then we can leave them

and never have to hear their cruel voice

again but if we don't respect ourselves

then there'll always be someone

screaming in our ear that we are

worthless so whether you are a

Renaissance Prince or at the tail end of

generation Zed mavelli advises us all to

secure our independence from outside

forces be this through external power or

internal Mastery but perhaps the most

controversial of mak's bits of advice is

that a ruler should sometimes be cruel

or brutal for the good of their reign

and this is just what we will explore

next three the kindness of Cruelty what

do you picture when you think of a cruel

ruler do you imagine a dictator

ruthlessly plundering the property of

his own people to add to his personal

coffers do you think of endless

atrocities and the extended exploitation

of a subjugated class well for makavelli

properly applied cruelty is neither of

those things but instead it is the

careful management of your subject's

fear as we have already discussed

mavelli has no faith for people to be

reliable out of love or gratitude for

him gratitude is quickly forgot Goten

and love is pushed to the side the

minute it is inconvenience to hold for

him it is fear and specifically the fear

of punishment that keeps people in line

even when times are tough and it is that

fear that stops a state from devolving

into chaos because of his deeply

pessimistic view of human nature mavelli

thinks that people are often inclined to

violence both against their ruler and

against one another unless they are kept

fearful by the power of their Sovereign

this means that paradoxically sometimes

the kindest thing to do is to be cruel

and some sometimes the

cruestv any known criminals and anyone

that they reckon is going to cause them

trouble in the future they do this all

in one fell swooop and then get to work

with the business of the city in this

case mavelli says that order will be

quickly secured peace will reign in the

city and the ruler's power will be

firmly established the second ruler

takes a different approach they are very

concerned with doing the right thing and

they immediately set to work pardoning

everyone who had wronged them they show

clemency to the criminal syndicates in

their city and they refuse to make a

great demonstration of their power and

brutality for everyone to see no doubt

many people will see them as a kind and

virtuous ruler but makavelli disagrees

makavelli says that all the ruler is

doing in this case is signing up

themselves and their people for complete

disaster according to him one of two

things will now happen either the ruler

will eventually have to execute the

troublemakers in the state anyway but

will have to do this over a long period

of time allowing more and more

resentment to build amongst their people

and surely leading to a rebellion and

the end of their reign alternatively

they will continue with their Reckless

compassion and the states will fall

apart as a result either way both the

state and its people will suffer far

more in this scenario and the ruler will

be worse off as well and I think this is

a really good example of how makavelli

can be misunderstood he does not just

argue that it is better for a ruler that

they are occasionally cruel dishonest

and immoral he says it is better for

their people people as well in the

context of Renaissance Italy the

likelihood of your state being invaded

your home burnt and your family murdered

was worryingly high and the main

protection against this according to

makavelli was the strength and

reputation of your ruler and they could

not achieve this without cruelty so

mackelli does not just think that the

ruler who is more concerned with their

conscience than with power is Bound for

failure he thinks they will take their

entire State and all its people with

them what might seem at first to be the

morally correct thing to do might have

disastrous consequences whereas severe

moment of immorality might secure peace

and prosperity for all for makavelli a

successful ruler will never be able to

avoid being cruel sometimes it is just a

matter of judiciously applying that

cruelty and getting it all over and done

with in one go so that you can then

safely rule over your state in whatever

manner you see fit so if you want peace

prepare for war and if you want kindness

prepare to be cruel I think it is an

open question just how relevant this

wisdom is for today as it relies on

machi's particular and deeply p istic

view on human nature but I will leave

this incredibly important debate to the

comment section but what about when the

state is secured then can we relax

according to makavelli the answer is a

definitive no four the danger of

complacency once a state is established

and secure mavelli thinks they have a

reasonable chance of surviving in the

medium to long term if the immediate

threats have been dealt with the people

are happy under your rule and you have a

strong citizen Army then 90% of the work

is done for you but there is one Shire

way to destroy your Bur in Kingdom and

end up with your head decorating the

city walls and that is to get complacent

for makavelli the cardinal sin of an

established ruler is to become too

comfortable and to think that your

position is not under threat once this

attitude is adopted everything is lost

this is because he thinks a state is

never truly secure but instead must

constantly be on guard against a

thousand hungry dogs who are just

waiting to tear it to Pieces there will

be rival States who are eyeing up your

lands with Glee there will be Rivals

within your own State who constantly on

the lookout for any weaknesses in your

power that they might take your place as

ruler for makavelli a leader is never

completely safe and if they get

complacence then it is just a few short

steps until they and their City Falls

from Grace according to makavelli humans

are naturally inclined to think that

whatever the current situation is will

last for an eternity so if at the moment

things are going well then it's very

tempting to think that we have nothing

to prepare for and that we can just sit

back relax and enjoy the fruits of our

labor the makavelli suggests a different

approach in his view the easy times are

there precisely so we can prepare for

the next set of hard times it may not

immediately seem like a good idea to use

periods of prosperity to invest in your

citizen army or to secure your military

and financial dependence from your

allies but you will be thankful for it

when the good times are over and the

invading Force pulls up to see that your

city walls are 15 ft higher than they

used to be and we see this piece of

wisdom reflected on a smaller scale in

some of the works of existentialist

philosophers like shophow for him

suffering was borderline inevitable and

if there was a break in the hardship

this was not a sign for us to fool

ourselves into thinking that the

difficult times were over but rather an

opportunity to fortify our Spirits so we

are prepared when the next wave of

suffering appears on the horizon for

schopenhauer this meant a particular

kind of Mastery over the human will but

we don't need to adopt this aspect of

his Philosophy for the general idea to

ring true it is tempting to treat pain

as a deviation from the norm and to see

happiness as the default human set but

if anything it seems like the complete

opposite safety security and happiness

are hard to come by and we will give

them up entirely if we think even for a

moment that the challenges of life are

over or at least that's how makavelli

saw it but there is one enormous

asterisk hanging over Mai's philosophy

and I think it is an important caveat to

consider before we start going out into

the world with his handbook in our

pockets five The Importance of Being

adaptable there are many things in life

that seem a bit like maths in that once

you know how to do it you know how to do

it in practically every situation things

like riding a bike or making an omelet

are a bit like this if you have the

equipment the knowledge is safely tucked

away in your mind for when you need it

makavelli says that being a ruler is

nothing like this at the very end of his

book he reveals the most important

property that a ruler must have and that

is adaptability ruling is just too

complicated to ever just use one

approach and the ruler who is not

adaptable will eventually come across a

situation where their skills are simply

inadequate a leader who is extremely

skilled at fighting Wars may not be so

good at governing in peace time and a

gifted Financial Manager might be

terrible at leading Army a good ruler

for Florence might be very different to

the kind of person needed in Rome or

France or Prussia and this raises an

important question how valuable are

maia's insights today we do not live in

Renaissance Europe with all of its

particular challenges and opportunities

a maiai would not want us to apply his

wisdom in one context straight into our

own without considering important

changes in the landscape of global power

I obviously do not know the answer to

the question of how relevant mach's

insights are for our age I am not a

politician nor a historian I am just a

blo with a camera and some books but I

think the question itself emphasizes an

important skill when reading this kind

of philosophy especially historical

philosophy and that skill is practical

wisdom called fris by the Greeks this is

a concept from Aristotle that means many

things but it is at least partly the

ability to judge when a given piece of

wisdom is relevant to a situation and

when it is not Aristotle does not give

an awful lot of insight into how to

train this skill other than encouraging

us to interact with the world and see

what what actually works in practice

according to him we will slowly

recognize in which situations certain

philosophies are helpful and when we

should try a different approach and I

think this is a good skill to have when

reading the sorts of bold advice given

by thinkers like makavelli and many of

the other thinkers I cover on this

channel like n or dovi it is helpful to

develop a Discerning Eye and not just to

parot the thoughts of these philosophers

unthinkingly you may find certain

aspects of them helpful and others not

you may want to take on board some of

makaveli's insights into human nature

but not have his view on cruelty you

might find ne's analysis of morality

very helpful but find his idea of the

Uber mench unrealistic you might find

dov's insight into human psychology

immensely enlightening but have no

desire to convert to Orthodox

Christianity as always I think that

these books should light the spark of

your own thinking rather than

extinguishing the flames and fortunately

for me mavelli agrees and if you want

more philosophy that flies in the face

of so many of our modern values then

check out this video to see n's analysis

of our morality and why he thinks it is

not fit for purpose and stick around for

more on thinking to improve your life