How Good People Lose Power | Machiavelli's The Prince
Summary
TLDRThis 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
📚 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.
👑 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.
🔪 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.
🛡 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.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Machiavelli
💡The Prince
💡Moralistic Fallacy
💡Virtue
💡Cruelty
💡Power
💡Complacency
💡Adaptability
💡Self-Sufficiency
💡Human Nature
💡Pragmatism
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
and the art of learning subscribe to my
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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
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