Is Machiavelli Right?

Now that you understand Machiavelli’s argument a bit better, do you think he’s basically right, or not? Why?

The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli presents us with a strategic take on being a leader. Often described as "overly cruel," Machiavelli's book was met with heavy criticism when it was released. Written to the Florentine Ambassador, Francesco Vettori, the letter intends to display the knowledge and military savviness of Machiavelli. Was Machiavelli right? This question is tough. To formulate a full opinion on the correctness of Machiavelli, we must examine both sides of the scope.

Machiavelli's credibility must immediately be called into question. He opens the book by addressing it to the Florentine Ambassador. This can be viewed as troublesome as one could argue that Machiavelli is just telling the Ambassador what he must, to get a job. Continuing, the book has numerous instances of ambiguity as well as hypocrisy. I could go in-depth on these instances; however, we already touched base on them in class. So, allow me to note the most significant issue the book has, in my opinion. Machiavelli essentially justifies any immoral act if it means maintaining power. Blurring this line between morality and power is dangerous. It has been this cloud of uncertainty that has led to the rise of dangerous power-thirsty leaders in history.

Although the book may present immoral ideas, the underlying purpose was never to be moral. Instead, it was do anything necessary to maintain power. Throughout the book, Machiavelli notes that the "good people" rarely end up staying in control long. His support of rule without emotion seems cruel but fulfills his identified purpose. Leaders need to be people who are willing to make hard decisions. Decisions that an average person would struggle with. Machiavelli is also a massive advocate for the populace. He maintains throughout the book that keeping the populace content should be very high on the priority ladder for any leader.

The opinion of whether Machiavelli is "wrong or right" solely depends upon the context in which you view it. In a context focused on moral leadership, he is wrong. However, in a context focused on maintaining power, he is correct. For the time and audience for which the book was written, I believe it is accurate. The purpose was never to be moral, however, to get power and maintain it. The means that Machiavelli presents seem to achieve again and fulfill that very purpose.