Social Sciences Research Paper On Machiavelli And Cruelty (Essay Sample)

MACHIAVELLI AND CRUELTY
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October 4, 2017
Niccolò Machiavelli is undoubtedly one of the greatest political writers of the Renaissance period. His writings have influenced many generations; especially aspiring leaders and members of aristocratic class. Born in the year 1469, in the city of Florence, Italy, Machiavelli grew to attain enormous influence within the socio-political circles of his home state. The ousting of Medici family from power in 1494 paved way for his ascension to the top. One of his works, The Prince, which was published c. 1515, is arguably his magnum opus. In this book, he explores the theme of cruelty through reflective and comparative analogies. Through the antagonist, prince, he brings out his philosophical inclinations on topic. This essay will analyze Machiavelli’s views on cruelty; vis-à-vis love, morality and statehood.[Niccolò Machiavelli. The Prince. (Translated by W.K. Marriott. 1515. Reprint, San Antonio: Constitution Society, 2014).]
One of the most famous clichés associated with Machiavelli originates from his views on cruelty. In Chapter VXII of The Prince, he states that it is better to be feared than to be loved. Machiavelli acknowledges that balancing between love and fear (a product of cruelty) is not an easy endeavor; therefore, if there is an inevitable need to choose between the two, the latter will be a better option. In his opinion, human beings are inherently ungrateful. Their love only prevails as long as there is order and peace. The fact that love is based on mutual promise makes it unreliable for a leader. In addition, human beings are more susceptible to offend a person whom they love than the once who uses cruelty to exert fear. In his opinion, Machiavelli asserts that use of cruelty to create fear brings a longer lasting stability and influence than love.[Ibid., 78] [Ibid., 79]
The moral aspect of cruelty─ as propounded by Machiavelli─ has been a subject of discussions since the publication of his book. According to him, use of cruelty in some special cases justifies the moral conundrum arising therefrom. To prevent crimes such as murders and robberies, the prince, through the power vested on him by the state, must apply cruelty. Use of cruelty on those who fail to conform to the law and order within the society protects the innocent subjects. Machiavelli gives a short anecdote on Cesare Borgia; a leader who was widely considered cruel. Through use of cruelty, he was able to unify Romagnia and maintain peace and loyalty among his subjects. Being merciful to everyone has negative implications on the general peace and order in the society; and according to him, this is enough to justify the moral aspect.[Ibid., 78] [Ibid., 80]
Machiavelli writes that a state is the greatest creation of mankind. In order to uphold the fabrics of the statehood, the prince (leader) must learn to use cruelty when necessary. Showing excess mercy is perceived as a form of weakness, and enemies tend to take...