Machiavelli and Thucydides Share Remarkable Similarities in Term Paper

Machiavelli and Thucydides share remarkable similarities in their thoughts about human nature and the role of the state, but differ somewhat in their ideas about leadership. Machiavelli and Thucydides share a similar view of human nature as basically selfish, and both note that rule is most often disassociated from considerations of morality. Machiavelli argues that a ruler must ultimately be concerned with his own self-interest, while Thucydides noted that self-interest often came at the expense of the state.

Machiavelli was born in 1469 in Florence, Italy to an influential but poor old Florentine family. He became involved in politics as early as 1498, when he was appointed as head of the Second Chancery, a government agency overseeing diplomacy and war. He traveled to France, Germany, and Rome, and played an important role in conquering Pisa in 1509, in addition to acting as an important advisor.

After 14 years of service, Machiavelli was accused of conspiracy in 1512 when the Medici family returned to power. He was jailed and tortured, and exiled from Florence. He wrote the Prince in 1515 in an attempt to regain political favor. He reconciled with the Medici to a degree in 1519, but remained distrustful of the government even after Medici was disposed in 1527.

To the modern American, the name Machiavelli is almost synonymous with the use of deceit for political ends.

We often refer to devious and opportunistic examples of political intrigue as "Machiavellian" in nature.

However, this overly simplistic view of Machiavelli's political thought does the great thinker a huge disservice. While Machiavelli's political thought is certainly sometimes morally dubious, it also contains a great deal of valuable insight and reflection.

In reading Machiavelli's The Prince it is crucial to consider that the work was intended as advice to a monarch. It should not be read in the light of today's democratic political system, but should be considered in the context of its intent: to provide valuable advice to a monarch who ruled in the context of Italy's fragile and conflicted political system, where deceit and intrigue were almost essential to achieving and holding power.Machiavelli's view of human nature was largely cynical. He thought that citizens of the state were often opportunistic, and rarely would support the state unless it was in their own best interests. Machiavelli refers to men as "ungrateful, fickle, liars, and deceivers, they shun danger and are greedy for profit; while you treat them well they are yours." He advises the Prince that."..because men a wretched creatures who would not keep their word to you, you need keep your word to them."

Machiavelli's view of human nature clearly underlies much of his political thought in The Prince. Given his apparently harsh view of human nature, it is much easier to understand his assertions about the leadership of the ruling Prince. Machiavelli believes that the ruling Prince should be the only authority, and serve his own best interests in this regard. Since Machiavelli holds the citizens of state in such contempt, he easily justifies his assertions about the leadership of the Prince.

In The Prince, Machiavelli declares that his aim is to tell the truth about survival and success as a monarch, rather than putting forth moral tenants and ideals. As such, he notes that many actions that are normally considered virtuous will ultimately hurt the Prince. For example, he concedes that appearing generous may cause the public to demand too much; ultimately causing the Prince to go broke in maintaining this reputation.

Machiavelli also notes that many actions that are normally considered vices will help the Prince to succeed. He argues that a prince should be severe in punishing offenses, rather than merciful. This will deter crimes that affect many individuals, while death sentences only affect a few people. Machiavelli also notes that the Prince should be deceitful when it suits his purpose, although he must not appear deceitful to others. To others, the Prince must appear to be humane, honest, merciful, religious and noble,….....