Machiavelli Reaction 5-10

Machiavelli Reaction 5-10

Machiavelli illustrates several key points in what it takes to be a "successful" Prince. In chapters 5-10, Machiavelli is giving us a true image of the coldhearted reputation he has carried throughout the years. He explains his ideas on taking over a “free” state or republic and how to conquer and rule with the peoples loyalty and respect.

Machiavelli argues in chapter 5 that the key to taking over a free state is initially to destroy it. By destroying the city, Machiavelli believes that the citizens will have no choice but to follow the direction of the new prince. He goes deeper to say that if a prince who occupies these cities does not destroy it, he risk the probable outcome of a rebellion. This rebellion is brought fourth by the tradition held by the citizens and the memories of the former way of government. The second step is to live there in person to establish loyalty and the third step is letting the people live by its own laws, but establish a small government who is loyal to you to keep it friendly. Chapter 6 gives us some insight on what Machiavelli feels leadership is. Leaders, he explains, are followers too in many ways. All leaders are imitating great rulers in history. A leader who really wants to achieve glory, does so by his own prowess, meaning by his own talent. Anyone can inherit a kingdom, but not anyone can rule it with natural leadership. This kind of leadership is what makes great leaders in history such as Moses or Cyrus. Chapter 7 explains that a leader should not try to buy his subjects. If a prince buys his subjects they will only temporarily be loyal. A prince needs to eliminate his enemies and do so all at once. Even if a prince does not succeed in ruling by his own prowess in his lifetime, he is still setting a good foundation for future princes which is just as important. Chapter 8 explains the level of evil that should be done in order to rise to power. He gives us clear insight of the pros and cons of obtaining power by evil means and how to use evil in ways of benefit. Machiavelli was a man of manipulation. If a prince can do all his evil and destruction at one time, the people will forget and move on once the memories die, and soon appreciate the prince he explains. Chapter 9 shows us the types of people in a community. We have nobles and commons. When a noble leader is chosen, he is in constant threat of rebellion by other nobles who feel they are on the same level as the prince. When a common is chosen it is much better, because he has the respect and loyalty of the people. Chapter 10 is short in stating the importance of a defense system for a city. He talks about the people coming together in time of war and gaining patriotism.

My initial reaction to Machiavelli in reading these chapters, is that Machiavelli did have a keen sense