Machiavelli in Context | The Prince, 17–21: The Lion and the Fox (Lecture 10)

Lecture 10: Should a prince be loved or feared if indeed he cannot be both? Traditional thinkers would have chosen the former, while Machiavelli argues that the right answer is the latter. Similarly, Machiavelli asks if it is necessary or wise for a prince always to keep his word.

In chapter 19, the longest of The Prince, Machiavelli draws on an extraordinary range of historical and modern examples in exploring how princes can avoid being hated. In doing so, he offers subtle lessons about how a prince today should use the past without imitating it literally. The lesson Machiavelli teaches here has applications for anyone who wants to learn from, but not be beholden to, the past.

Recommended Readings:
Machiavelli, The Prince, translated by Peter Bondanella, chapters 17–21.