One aspect of Machiavelli’s theory which significantly contributes to his reputation as the “philosopher of evil,” is his advice to the prince on keeping their word to the public. In chapter eighteen, Machiavelli states, “a wise ruler cannot, and should not, keep his word when doing so is to his disadvantage, and when the reasons that led him to promise to do so no longer apply” (pg. 37). To simplify, Machiavelli says princes are obligated to lie in certain circumstances. He also states that while it is unnecessary for the prince to have positive qualities, such as honesty, trustworthiness, sympathy, compassion, or be religious, it is essential for the prince to be viewed so by the public (pg.
Among his ideals were that of benefiting the State over one’s self, throwing virtues out the door, despite what it may do to a leader’s reputation and appearance. Many experts believe that Machiavelli’s work was satirical, and would negatively impact a ruler. Others believe Machiavellian concepts were meant to appeal to the Medici family, and currently stand. In today’s world, Machiavelli’s political advice
Antony uses sarcasm, pathos, and verbal irony because those appeal to the Romans greed and envy, causing him to make the Romans go against Brutus. Antony decides to use verbal irony and sarcasm to explain that what Brutus did is wrong while Brutus uses rhetorical devices to proof he did the right thing. Antony is giving his speech at Caesar’s funeral. Antony states, “They that has done this deed are honorable”(JC, III, ii, 224). Antony tells the Romans how cruel and wrong Brutus and Cassius are, but he still calls them honorable men.
In chapters six and seven of his book, “The Prince”, Niccolo Machiavelli stated that the difficulty in keeping and maintaining new principalities depends on how the prince acquired them. The principalities can be acquired either by one’s own arms and abilities or by the arms of others and by relying on luck or good fortune. Although the two options will both mitigate different problems and issues, Machiavelli argues that those who rely least on good fortune will come out the strongest. In this chapter, the dependent variable would be the difficulty a prince would experience in acquiring a principality. The independent variable then will be the method in acquiring the principality, whether through ability or good fortune.
In the book “The Prince” there was an advice that was one of the important factors that a prince should have in his knowledge. That was “cruelty and compassion; and whether it is better to be loved than feared” (Machiavelli 1916). It is better to have loved more, or vice versa, the book is a good example of the accuracy of its problems psychological in their early stages is one of the best parts of the mission. The gestation period for cruelty to replace the feeling of a prince, but he likes his subjects united and better, he should not worry loyal. Whether face criticism for his cruelty to his prince for a long time, or reverse.
Leaders derive their power from a range of sources – military force, wealth, rank. However, leaders that we most admire win followers through the skill of persuasion. The ability of a speaker to persuade his listeners to agree with him signals that he is a powerful and astute figure. In the play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, the character of Cassius attempts to convince Brutus that Caesar should be assassinated. Brutus, however, cares deeply for Caesar and is hesitant to kill the beloved hero of Rome.
One of the main examples of this can be seen in King Priam. He adores Troy more than anything. He is one example of how love, can cloud your judgment. He would let his own sons die rather than give up Troy. He is a character that is both a hero, and a villain.
The great irony surrounding Cassis throughout the story is that he uses his greatest asset to his fullest potential when he allows Brutus to take effective control of the republican faction. Cassius believes that his nobility of Rome are responsible for the government of Rome. They have allowed a man to gain too much power, way more than he needed, therefore, they have responsibility to stop him. Cassius absolutely hates Caesar, but he also deeply resents being subservient to a tyrant, and there are hints that he will have no trouble fighting for his personal freedom. Cassius does not back down following the almost dictatorial pronouncements of his equal, Brutus, even though he absolutely disagree heartedly with most of Brutus’s decisions.
He believes we can be trustworthy but we quickly turn selfish. He mentions qualities that seem to be the right thing to do but shows weakness instead, and it he rules with cruelness then it will make him strong. “We find some qualities that look like virtues, yet-if the prince practices them-they will Be his destruction, and other qualities that look like vices, yet- if he practices them-they will bring him safety and well-being.” Machiavelli’s conception of human nature reflected number of traits that inherent in
After stating his worry over Cassius, Caesar attempts to rebuild his facade of strength by claiming, “I rather tell thee what is to be feared” (I.ii.221). By saying this, Caesar is claiming that he feels no real fear or threat from Cassius or anyone else but would rather tell those around him what the most powerful person in the world sees as