The beginning of Machiavelli’s piece The Qualities of the Prince: A Prince’s Duty Concerning Military Matters his main concern seems to be stressing the importance of a prince being proficient in war. He provides reasons why a prince should be proficient in war, how it benefits the prince, and even cites an example of the need for this.
Machiavelli basically starts off his piece by stating that someone whose station is that of a commander, such as a prince, main concern should be war (Jacobus 38). He then defends this statement by claiming that it is necessary to be proficient at war for three reasons. The first being to maintain the position of a prince. The second being to maintain control of the state. The third reasoning is allowing for those at a lower station the possibility to rise to the station of a prince (38).
He then moves to making a comparison between armed and unarmed men to further validate his views that being proficient in warfare is a skill needed of a prince (38). To quote Machiavelli, “for between an armed and unarmed man there is no comparison whatsoever…” (38). He explains this reasoning by saying that those who go unarmed can’t feel safe amongst those that are armed because one will become suspicious and the other contemptuous causing friction. With such friction comes conflict, and no one who is armed will willingly obey someone who isn’t (38). Thus, Machiavelli praises being proficient at warfare because it helps the prince maintain his position and helps prevent his position from be seized from him.
Several reasons on how being proficient at war benefits a prince are also given by Machiavelli. Some of the benefits derive from the two ways in which Machiavelli feels a prince should train himself. One of these reasons is by learning through action such as learning about one’s country or terrain (38). Machiavelli suggests that a prince should become familiar with his country’s terrain to better prepare himself for war and to become more proficient. By doing this the prince will benefit in several ways which I will quote, “because this skill teaches you to find the enemy, choose a campsite, lead troops, organize them for battle, and besiege towns to your own advantage” (39). So by the end of the opening pages Machiavelli not only gave reasons why it’s important for a prince to be proficient at war, but also why it’s beneficial to them as well.
Works Cited
Machiavelli, Niccolo. “The Qualities of the Prince.” A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers .Ed. Lee A Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2006. pp.37-50
Machiavelli basically starts off his piece by stating that someone whose station is that of a commander, such as a prince, main concern should be war (Jacobus 38). He then defends this statement by claiming that it is necessary to be proficient at war for three reasons. The first being to maintain the position of a prince. The second being to maintain control of the state. The third reasoning is allowing for those at a lower station the possibility to rise to the station of a prince (38).
He then moves to making a comparison between armed and unarmed men to further validate his views that being proficient in warfare is a skill needed of a prince (38). To quote Machiavelli, “for between an armed and unarmed man there is no comparison whatsoever…” (38). He explains this reasoning by saying that those who go unarmed can’t feel safe amongst those that are armed because one will become suspicious and the other contemptuous causing friction. With such friction comes conflict, and no one who is armed will willingly obey someone who isn’t (38). Thus, Machiavelli praises being proficient at warfare because it helps the prince maintain his position and helps prevent his position from be seized from him.
Several reasons on how being proficient at war benefits a prince are also given by Machiavelli. Some of the benefits derive from the two ways in which Machiavelli feels a prince should train himself. One of these reasons is by learning through action such as learning about one’s country or terrain (38). Machiavelli suggests that a prince should become familiar with his country’s terrain to better prepare himself for war and to become more proficient. By doing this the prince will benefit in several ways which I will quote, “because this skill teaches you to find the enemy, choose a campsite, lead troops, organize them for battle, and besiege towns to your own advantage” (39). So by the end of the opening pages Machiavelli not only gave reasons why it’s important for a prince to be proficient at war, but also why it’s beneficial to them as well.
Works Cited
Machiavelli, Niccolo. “The Qualities of the Prince.” A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers .Ed. Lee A Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2006. pp.37-50
3 comments:
Great Blog. It really had me focused. I was reading and I was saying to myself, wow, This is great. Some of Machiavelli's points were good but some were silly. A person of high power doesnt always have to think about war. It is good to be prepared in case a war does start though.
A very good summary of Machiavelli's points. I would have liked to hear a little regarding what you thought about his beliefs, though. Always nice to see someone else's viewpoints, it can really make you rethink your own.
I agree with the above comment. Excellent blog. However, I would like to hear your comments. Hearing others points of view is an enlightening thing.
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