Machiavelli in Context | The Prince, 13–16: The Art of Being a Prince (Lecture 9)

Lecture 9: Chapter 13 contains Machiavelli’s denunciation of the common practice of his day for Italian city-states to rely on auxiliary soldiers. In his discussion in the following chapter of how a prince prepares himself for war, Machiavelli stresses practical exercises of both mind and body and the necessity of studying history.

Machiavelli also lays out part of what is new in his political thought by pointing out that human weakness lessens the value of those in the past who have written of ideal, imaginary republics. Such works will not get a prince very far, for often he must act in less-than-ideal ways in order to be an effective ruler. Machiavelli also contrasts having a particular virtuous quality, such as generosity, and appearing to have it. Which is more vital for a ruler?

Recommended Readings:
Machiavelli, The Prince, translated by Peter Bondanella, chapters 13–16.