4 ms·
Machiavelli is one of the most wrongly maligned thinkers in history. Reading all of his works, especially if read in the order he wrote them, and with an under
by sverige 9y ago
Machiavelli is one of the most wrongly maligned thinkers in history. Reading all of his works, especially if read in the order he wrote them, and with an understanding of the context in which he wrote them, makes it obvious (at least to me) that he thought the best sort of government was the republic.
The damage done to his reputation by foreign writers (especially the English) is probably irreparable, though. It makes for a sad case study in intellectual prejudice.
- hguant 9y agoI mean, the fact that in the Prince, he encourages the Prince to create a Republic as it's the best way to maintain the strength of the city (aka a good prince needs to put the body politic over his own desires, even the desire for power)...and the fact that Machiavelli's other great work (The Discourses on Livy) openly and fervently talks about how republicanism is the best form of government...yeah, I think you might be on to something there.