The Lasting Influence of The Prince by Machiavelli

The Prince is the most famous and widely studied of Niccolò Machiavelli’s works. His upbringing in and unstable world and his high level of education produced a very politically minded man, who used logic and solid reasoning to back up his actions and his writing. The Prince was revolutionary in its use of evidence rather than lofty ideals and morals. Historical leaders and a few famous battles are referenced within the book’s many chapters. Although it is unclear whether the book was to be taken seriously or it is a work of satire is unclear, the excessive and flowery praise of Loronzo De’Medici, whose family Machiavelli fought against on more than one occasion, leads the reader to the latter mind set. Although there are many historians who believe that The Prince is a “job application of sorts”1 meant to endear himself to the powerful family.
“And although I deem this work unworthy of being in your
Illustrious presence my confidence in your benevolence persuades me that it will be accepted… And should Your Magnificence deign to look down from the lofty summit of Your eminence to these lowly depths, You will see how I have suffered undeservedly Fortune’s great and continuing malignity.”2
Machiavelli was a political theorist who put his ideas into action when it was required and was brave enough to go up against the ruling powers of his time. He was one of the most important figures of the Renaissance. The Prince has remained an influential peace of political theory from the time of its writing to today. Niccolò Machiavelli was born in a violent and unstable time. Papal armies attacked against Italian city-states and those in power spent their rein never sure when they would lose it. Political-military alliances continually changed, and the pope, the major cities like Venice and Florence, and even foreign powers such as France, Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, and even Switzerland battled for control. In 1494, Florence restored the republic by casting out