Machiavelli: Hero or Villain? Essay

Writing one of the most acclaimed books of all time must not have been easy not one bit. Stating that, the concomitant that Frederick Douglas, among many others, is capable of criticizing Machiavelli and his genius work on The Prince, really infuriates me. Unconsciously, Niccolo Machiavelli became one of the first and most important philosophical leaders of all time subsequently writing The Prince. Although The Prince is considered one of the greatest pieces of political theory in hi falsehood, it is not always looked upon favorably, and a clear example of this comes from Frederick the Great. In 1739, Frederick the Great wrote a arch critique of The Prince entitled Refutation of The Prince of Machiavelli in which he expressed that he thought Machiavelli corrupted politics, and in doing so hoped to destroy the very percepts of sound devotion.This is an idea with which I dont particularly side with. In his critique of The Prince, Frederick the Great talks approximately how this bo ok is one of the most touch-and-go pieces of literature that has ever been released to the world. He describes how if this book were to fall into the hands of young, naive princes whose judgment hasnt fully developed, their perspectives would be corrupted. Honestly, Frederick has this all wrong. The Prince is meant to be looked at as a type of handbook or guide which Machiavelli created in order for the current prince to have a successful career as commander in chief. He is hoping to help and facilitate the journey the person who is the acting prince, which in that miscue was de Medici. It is clear that Frederick the Great thought that Machiavellis intentions in writing the story were to corrupt the mind of young princes, but the wise words on the guide had only one unique function to ease the roll of the universe a prince.This is why Frederick is certainly wide of the mark concerning his opinions. In the midst of Fredericks severe evaluation of The Prince, he mentions a quote ma de by Machiavelli which appears in the book. The citation went as following, Since all men are villainous and will not living their word with you, there is no obligation for you to keep faith with them. Frederick the Great consequently goes on to critiquing Machiavelli by saying that he is implying that the prince should act without mercy and be a cruel ruler of his people. He then goes on to complain about how Machiavelli is of evil influence and that he is out to corrupt politics and in doing so hoped to destroy the very percepts of sound faith. Honestly, this quote mad by Niccolo is one which needs to be looked at figuratively. Machiavelli is trying to convince the prince to become a powerful, significant figure with his people, who doesnt let himself get pushed over.Hes is implying that the prince be one who is firm in his decisions and but is also feared by his people. He explains why this should be reasoning that being feared is the equivalent of being respected. Machiavel li strongly recomm lay offed a leader with no remorse meaning the certain respect from the people he ruled over. Near the end of the critique, Frederick the Great points out how Machiavelli thought that the, people would be more impressed by the show of devotion, than revolted by the bad treatment they have trustworthy from the prince. thither is no room for doubt concerning this matter. Machiavelli is very clear concerning his perspective. A prince who wishes to be respected and looked well upon must be a demanding one who shows his commitment and committal to his duties.Frederick is completely wrong in believing that Machiavelli wishes the prince to treat his people incorrectly. All that Machiavelli is implying is that the prince must not be one who doesnt show his presence as a leader. He must be demanding and at times harsh. This will make him seem as a leader who doesnt care about his people, but in reality, he is just doing what is best for them. Machiavelli also previously stated that it is better for a prince to be feared than loved because of the amount of respect received when he is feared. This does not mean that the prince be a diabolical one, it means he must be devoted to all he sets mind to without affectionateness for anything else but his people.All in all, the prince must not be a push over in the eyes of the public and this is all that Machiavelli meant to say. Although The Prince is considered one of the greatest pieces of political theory in history, naturally, it is not always looked upon favorably. It is clear that not all will see eye to eye concerning this piece of literature, as is the case with Frederick the Great. This being said, this book is not a list of what princes actually do, moreover, it is a guide to help a man become a prince looked up to by the people he governs over. This is clearly what Machiavelli wanted to get through, and it is how Machiavelli and his work on The Prince should be remembered for many years to come.