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Machiavelli - Coggle Diagram
Machiavelli
The Prince
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On Human Nature
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To rule efficiently, Prince must be feared than loved.
Politics is based on human psychology rather than philosophy and human nature everywhere is the same.
Man is also greedy by nature and as long as prince can create conditions for people to make money and earn property, people will remain loyal to him. Also prince should never confiscate, rather execute.
Man is coward by nature and so long as prince is able to convince the people that only he can provide security of life people will remain obliged to the prince.
Qualities of a Prince
Clever like a fox, brave like a lion
Relevant as every state requires defense and intelligence to protect itself from being vulnerable to attacks.
On Statecraft
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Prince should rely on soft power of love and only use hard power as a last resort with caution and with full force to leave no scope of revenge.
On Ethics/Dual Morality
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While leaders like Mahatma Gandhi advocated the purity of means, Machiavelli held politics to be separate from ethics and religion.
There is no universal morality and morality of common man differs from morality of prince. What may be otherwise correct, may be incorrect politically.
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On Religion
Had a utilitarian approach towards religion and felt that it could be used to create fear in people and discipline them.
Not critical of religion but opposed Church's involvement in state as it hindered national interest.
Advocated expansionist policies and advised the prince to have direct control over areas with similar culture, otherwise appoint a viceroy.
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On Fortune
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He believed that if prince faced the bad times with courage they would become favorable. Thus Machiavelli although a realist, is also an optomist.
Discourse
Society where people are corrupt, he suggests rule of prince with iron hand.
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Wherever necessary monarchy, wherever possible republic, but in no situation oligarchy or aristocracy.
Nobles, unlike common folk will have aspiration for power and hence they are a challenge to the king.
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