Machiavelli’s The Prince
World History 7.3 The Renaissance Begins in Italy.doc
Italian
political writer Niccolò Machiavelli’s The
Prince
is one of the most powerful discussions of politics during the
Italian Renaissance. Machiavelli wrote the book to offer practical
advice to Italian nobles. The book reflects the way he thought that
government actually worked, rather than the lofty, often unrealistic
ideals expressed by others. Machiavelli believed that a ruler should
be concerned only with power and success. Today, The
Prince
is considered a portrayal of how leaders often have to act
ruthlessly.
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Think about
Machiavelli’s ideas on political leadership. Is he right? Is he
wrong? Should we expect our political leaders to always be virtuous
as well as effective? Which is more important in a leader, virtue or
effectiveness? Why? Write an essay explaining your answer to these
questions.
