Machiavelli - The Prince of Political Philosophy Documentary

[@PeopleProfiles]

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[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Love your work❤❤❤❤❤

[@jordankiiza6393]

Please let’s have a documentary on Gaddafi

[@white_shadow05]

If it is not too much asking, I would love to watch video on life of Leonardo da Vinci. Thank you

[@sctt1994]

you guys are not using the correct painting of Lorenzo "il Magnifico", that painting at 3:52 was of Lorenzo de'Medici, Duke of Urbino his grandson iirc and father of Catherine de'Medici who would later go on to become Queen consort of France. That is also not to mention that the painting of Giuliano de' Medici you're using at 6:54 is of Lorenzo's brother who died in the Pazzi conspiracy not of Giuliano de' Medici, Duke of Nemours who was born in 1479.

[@alzir86]

Can you tell me, what is the name of the composition that begins in 1:06:44. Excellent documentary.

[@questionmark1152]

He wasn't manipulative, he was just very good at noticing what worked and what didn't work from first-hand experience, and made no bones about telling you what the best course of action was for certain scenarios.

[@Trump2024asw]

When the average person is unaware of much noticing things an using it seems manipulative.

[@questionmark1152]

@@Trump2024asw I get what youre saying but other people being dumb doesn't make him manipulative. Lol

[@cynthiagraves7947]

Exactly he just gave the best course of action for each situation and station in life.

[@lorenzomizushal3980]

He wrote what everyone at the time knew but pretended wasn't the case. Like how we pretend politics is pure a decade ago but everyone knew deep down it was corrupt and shit.

[@symbolsarenotreality4595]

True. Machiavelli was a mirror of the time and held up in awe by those who are in awe of such times. Nothing more than a reactionary of the ruling class ideology of his time, making insightful commentary about improving the effectiveness of the system he lived within - not changing its nature, but reinforcing its nature - by improving its methods of self-preservation against threats to its existence. A progressive reactionary. Never questioning what the system is based upon, only questioning how it achieves this goal more effectively. An effective defender of his system - through his lack of consciousness of this, through no fault of his own. In his sophisticated internalisation of his society, he is of course not aware that he thinks from within it - carrying all of its assumptions. Never challenging it, not seeing how it could be challenged as it is experienced like the unchangeable laws of physics. Something not created by us, unchangeable by us, something we have to all obey. So, it is never the fault of the internalised social system he lives within, as it is seen as a law of nature that is self-evident from the fact of its being - moment to moment - which is entirely understandable. As demonstrable as gravity itself. So naturally with that in mind Machiavelli would have seen anything that threatened the power of his 'world', the 'laws of nature itself', the 'natural order' etc. as the cause of a problem rather than a solution to or result of the real cause of the problem which is the class structure of the society he lives within. Even if he did think it was flawed in some way, blaming it or trying to change it would be the same as blaming gravity or wishing it was different when you trip over your own feet. Aristotle writes about this same phenomenon in Politics as being a deliberate strategy used by the ruling class. The underlying and of course hidden principle of the strategy is to keep the members of its system blaming one another - rather than the system itself so that they will never fight the system itself, but will fight and blame one another instead. He talked about how the ruling classes would deliberately stoke conflict between the different cultures of its slaves so they would fight one another and not unite against their oppressors. This of course protects the system ideologically and creates its soldiers to fight its wars for profit, power and resource control. Wars can be staged and set up along these lines and justified as such on the surface. This has occurred from the 2nd historical mode of production (slavery, the first monetary system) to the 4th historical mode of production, capitalism, the most advanced monetary system (slavery). Internalisation of language, culture, science, superstition etc is simply what occurs to members of all societies when they are born into that society and know nothing else. This natural phenomenon is exploited unethically and deceptively in societies that are not based on truth and ethics- otherwise its members are taught to be conscious of the objective nature of their society and this is shared by all its members. In ethical and honest societies power is shared openly with its members and they are educated about its true nature. An example of this deceptive self-preservation strategy, internalised within Machiavelli, is in how he blames women in general for disrupting the power of the state. He stresses the importance of states being aware of this incredible power of women. He demonstrates this by describing two men from two different classes who desire the same woman, and the problems that this creates for the class structure of his world. His society, the other force in his world like gravity, and the incredible power of women to change the laws of nature itself - through their sheer sexual desirability. Certainly not through the power of the society that both the men and women are born into, the society that internalises their social roles, such as skill with violence and skill with sex? Certainly not acquired with the power, that both men and women possess, to learn these skills? Here is the man himself, the product of his times; How Women are a cause of the ruin of States. A feud broke out in Ardea touching the marriage of an heiress, whose hand was sought at the same time by two suitors, the one of plebeian, the other of noble birth. For her father being dead, her guardian wished her to wed the plebeian, her mother the noble. And so hot grew the dispute that resort was had to arms, the whole nobility siding with their fellow-noble, and all the plebeians with the plebeian. The latter faction being worsted, left the town, and sent to the Volscians for help; whereupon, the nobles sought help from Rome. The Volscians were first in the field, and on their arrival encamped round Ardea. The Romans, coming up later, shut in the Volscians between themselves and the town, and, reducing them by famine, forced them to surrender at discretion. They then entered Ardea, and putting all the ringleaders in this dispute to the sword, composed the disorders of the city. In connection with this affair there are several points to be noted. And in the first place we see how women have been the occasion of many divisions and calamities in States, and have wrought great harm to rulers; as when, according to our historian, the violence done to Lucretia drove the Tarquins from their kingdom, and that done to Virginia broke the power of the decemvirs. And among the chief causes which Aristotle assigns for the downfall of tyrants are the wrongs done by them to their subjects in respect of their women, whether by adultery, rape, or other like injury to their honour, as has been sufficiently noticed in the Chapter wherein we treated "of Conspiracies" I say, then, that neither absolute princes nor the rulers of free States should underrate the importance of matter, but take heed to the disorders which it may breed and provide against them while remedies can still be used without discredit to themselves or to their governments And this should have been done by the rulers of Ardea who by suffering the rivalry between their citizens to come to a head, promoted their divisions, and when they sought to reunite them had to summon foreign help, than which nothing sooner leads to servitude. But now let us turn to another subject which merits attention, namely, the means whereby divided cities may be reunited; and of this I propose to speak in the following Chapter.

[@sharonshea3261]

Particularly well done - excellent research. Rob Jones does an outstanding job of narration. The pace isn't too fast and words are clearly and evenly enunciated (so many others aren't). Enjoyed his elegant pronunciation of the Italian names. The barely audible background music is where it should be - barely audible in the background, instead of overwhelming and blocking content and narration. I watch a lot of documentaries, so appreciate when one is as well done as this one.

[@TheRealDasluft]

100% agree with your evaluation. Great narration and yes…perfect volume and pitch of the background music. I will never understand why so many put such loud background music or noise in their vids…

[@jtzoltan]

​@@TheRealDasluftI have to disag(exuberant strings ensemble) BUM BUM DA DAAAHHHH, reasonable use DOO DOOOO DO DOOO DI DO eally adding to the (cymbals crash) CRASH

[@emsnewssupkis6453]

Yes, this is a very, very good, even handed story of one of the most famous political pundit in history.

[@meggrobi]

I remember reading The Prince as part of a philosophy course at Uni. I saw it as a pragmatic rather than sinister or manipulative text, more akin to today's notion of realpolitik.

[@rdsc.455]

So, that's the reason most world politicians and bureaucrats are so soulless and immune to genocidal events, killings of millions, huge destructions and mass displacement of people going on from last 7-8 decades ?! The Weapons of Mass Destruction was not yet invented during Machiavelli's period.

[@jamesgornall5731]

Which is the proper way to look at international relations, unlike the neo-cons who in the pursuit of "democracy" leave wastelands in their wake

[@ConservativeVoicesUniversity]

Machiavelli was and still is a brilliant man, his observations are timeless, anyone who can't see past the rhetoric and propaganda is not sane, nor understands the broader concepts of his teachings/book/life.

[@juliangilbert5465]

Machiavelli is most misunderstood. He did not say leaders should be feared. He wrote leaders should be feared by his (or her) enemies. He specifically wrote that a leader should never be hated by the subjects and being feared and tough was merely the best way of keeping subjects safe in a dangerous world, as virtue will simply put them in most danger. He urges harsh practicality, not evil.

[@jaimlawson]

Feared, yet respected for leadership

[@edmurks236]

Genghis Khan was a feared leader but also respected and much better known of than Machiavelli.

[@lewisjohnson8297]

​The difference between establishing and maintaining empire, as opposed to competing city/states.

[@lewisjohnson8297]

​The difference between establishing and maintaining empire, as opposed to competing city/states.

[@elguardallavesdejaal]

Yes, because he think that the world was full of ingrateful people; and as much as he would like a to live in a place where goodness wouldn't be taken advantage of, he knew it wasn't the case. That links to his idea of political freedom. The ideal would be to live in a republic where one could live without worrying that the individual will of other people wouldn't diminish his own freedom, a place where the only limitation was the rule of law; a law decided by the citizens.

[@jasonparker8277]

Context, context, context! Well done in providing us with the world that shaped and produced Niccolo Machiavelli. It is strange the Florence could never get its act together during the Italian Wars era despite producing the greatest minds that modern history has ever known. Borgia, Michaelangelo, Divinci, Machiavelli, Savonarola….on and on.

[@LittleHammer_]

Don’t forget that The Medici shaped Florence prior to the rise of The Borgia who weren’t Florentines.

[@dinaraurazova3094]

Borgia was not from Florence

[@andrieslouw3811]

Calling a spade a spade - a politician a politician. I like the video very much and it puts Machiavelli in his time and circumstance.

[@swashbukk]

He was one of Italys finest thinkers and political analysts. His nowadays bad name is not justified. His writings still stand the test of time, not bad after 500 years.

[@wenthulk8439]

He was astute

[@briankeenan776]

Thanks!

[@PeopleProfiles]

Thank you!

[@solarpanelslakemacquarie4346]

Your channel is a breath of fresh air on KZbin.

[@fabiodeoliveiraribeiro1602]

To have a better view of The Prince it is necessary to read two other books by Machiavelli: The History of Florence and the Discourse on the First Decade of Titus Livy. The method used by Machiavelli to reflect on politics was historical. He simply disregarded any and all considerations of a religious, ethical, and moral nature. For Machiavelli, the object of Politics is the conquest and preservation of power, nothing more. History provides examples of actions and decisions that, if known and carefully studied, can facilitate or hinder disputes and/or the exercise of power. The Prince is a great summary of political themes that were the subject of reflection in Machiavelli's other books. What distinguishes this small manual on the conquest and exercise of the power of Discourse on the First Decade of Titus Livy, is that The Prince had a specific ambition: to facilitate the unification of Italy under a single strong ruler. At the time he wrote this book Machiavelli seems to have convinced himself that Italy would remain an easy prey for the ambitions and aggressions of France and Spain as long as it was fragmented.

[@edmurks236]

A guess many modern day politicians would/do follow Machiavelli's advise and be as ruthless as possible in their pursuit of power over other considerations of integrity and morality

[@seandilallo8718]

I wouldn't say he disregarded religion, ethics and morality. Instead, he viewed them as useful tools for state-building.

[@emsnewssupkis6453]

Italy was weak due to no direct access to the Atlantic Ocean and the New World. PERIOD. Even the German states could head off to the New World but not Italy. The reason Germany didn't do this back then was due to the invasion of the Ottoman Empire that went all the way to Vienna, Austria before the Germans could push this back and with Russia, begin to reduce the Ottoman Empire. Thus, both Russia and Germany remained stuck in that long long conflict.

[@fabiodeoliveiraribeiro1602]

@@emsnewssupkis6453 The French and Spanish invaded Italy in Machiavelli's time, but you say it was the Italians' fault. When China invades the US will it be the Americans' fault?

[@luisaguilar5343]

Interesting, which book would you say covers obtaining power?

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

It is better to be feared than loved if you cannot be both Deep words

[@Trump2024asw]

I disagree on this if I am in the public arena I rather be both but loved if only one. Fear makes people hate you an the second you're weak your gone.

[@RoyLovins]

Who hurt you

[@RoyLovins]

Really

[@lopamudraray4571]

To be Feared yet loved you have to b hippocrate...simple.

[@lopamudraray4571]

Fear might be exercised by Other ways than oppression and repession. Fear in times of Machiaveli was directed towards the enemy nation. Thts wht i understood. Love might be from the people the King or Prince goverened.

[@haydenwayne3710]

Excellent episode! When one considers how overtly morally corrupt the body politic of the world today, he seems more enlightened than ever,

[@lydond99]

The body politic has and will always be corrupt

[@markw4263]

Much more nuanaced than I had expected. The time he lived in was wild and crazy but he was not the puppet master he is often thought of.

[@MateinEbiwari]

This is my favorite channel on KZbin ! Well done all of you at The People Profiles 💚

[@Kraniumbrud]

that he wrote one of the most important books on a democratic republic blows my mind

[@samberke3119]

Why is that?

[@bwizzle4194]

Florence wasn't a real democratic republic. Only a few people in that society had any say of who governed them.

[@kostisgkolemis9266]

"Prince" is not a book about democracy.

[@alejandromobray5833]

@@kostisgkolemis9266”Prince” is not the only book he wrote

[@badtuber1654]

Democracy does not exist. Its Coorporate Oligarchys everywhere, if you think you live in a Democracy you are stupid.

[@kevinfield2162]

I tire of people using the term Machivellian when they know nothing of what the Prince actually contains or the tumultuous times in which the man lived. Above all else, he was a survivor which is more than most of us would have achieved back then with the constant deadly power plays. Everything has its context. Well done for delivering another excellent episode.

[@jessicajae7777]

Dont read any more comments then, people are mentioning Tupac. smh

[@SeldimSeen1]

Ditto. This video was a great eye opener.

[@cathleenweston3541]

Kinda reminds of President Trump. He WILL SURVIVE. The others WILL NOT.

[@cornpepper]

​@@jessicajae7777y😊sp😅0😊😅

[@cornpepper]

​@@SeldimSeen1c😊😅😅🎉is 😅😊😅😊

[@Tomatohater64]

Just when I didn't think these biographies could possibly get any better, you surprise us all yet again. Any chance we can get a biography on the magnificent Dominican theologian/philosopher Thomas Aquinas?

[@richardgraham7055]

I loved the examination of amorality, and its placement in a much larger social context. For me, an amoral prince is constrained, by public demand, to be moral appearing, if not in fact. A prince must be wise and subtle, not just amoral, as Machiavelli shows loyal care of Florence even if it could end his career.

[@Dr.JudeAEMasonMD]

I second this pick. Sir Thomas Aquinas is an excellent choice.

[@alexandrekaminski3527]

Agreed Thomas Aquina, would love to know about him !❤

[@mecongberlin]

Excellent documentary. Thank you for that. One of the most misunderstood writers of all time brought to light in an unbiased and factual manner. Well done.

[@thesausagecontinuim1971]

always wanted to find out more about this guy so thanks

[@TheChosenPhilosophers]

Machiavelli, the ultimate guide to getting things done, no matter the cost. His 'end justifies the means' philosophy may raise eyebrows, but in the game of politics, it's survival of the slickest. Prepare to be enlightened, or perhaps a little alarmed, by the dark wisdom of Machiavelli.

[@symbolsarenotreality4595]

Machiavelli was a mirror of the time and held up in awe by those who are in awe of such times. Nothing more than a reactionary of the ruling class ideology of his time, making insightful commentary about improving the effectiveness of the system he lived within - not changing its nature, but reinforcing its nature - by improving its methods of self-preservation against threats to its existence. A progressive reactionary. Never questioning what the system is based upon, only questioning how it achieves this goal more effectively. An effective defender of his system - through his lack of consciousness of this, through no fault of his own. In his sophisticated internalisation of his society, he is of course not aware that he thinks from within it - carrying all of its assumptions. Never challenging it, not seeing how it could be challenged as it is experienced like the unchangeable laws of physics. Something not created by us, unchangeable by us, something we have to all obey. So, it is never the fault of the internalised social system he lives within, as it is seen as a law of nature that is self-evident from the fact of its being - moment to moment - which is entirely understandable. As demonstrable as gravity itself. So naturally with that in mind Machiavelli would have seen anything that threatened the power of his 'world', the 'laws of nature itself', the 'natural order' etc. as the cause of a problem rather than a solution to or result of the real cause of the problem which is the class structure of the society he lives within. Even if he did think it was flawed in some way, blaming it or trying to change it would be the same as blaming gravity or wishing it was different when you trip over your own feet. Aristotle writes about this same phenomenon in Politics as being a deliberate strategy used by the ruling class. The underlying and of course hidden principle of the strategy is to keep the members of its system blaming one another - rather than the system itself so that they will never fight the system itself, but will fight and blame one another instead. Aristotle talked about this by describing how the ruling classes would deliberately stoke conflict between the different cultures of its slaves so they would fight one another and not unite against their oppressors. This of course protects the system ideologically and creates its soldiers to fight its wars for profit, power and resource control. Wars can be staged and set up along these lines and justified as such on the surface. This has occurred from the 2nd historical mode of production (slavery, the first monetary system) to the 4th historical mode of production, capitalism, the most advanced monetary system (slavery). Internalisation of language, culture, science, superstition etc is simply what occurs to members of all societies when they are born into that society and know nothing else. This natural phenomenon is exploited unethically and deceptively in societies that are not based on truth and ethics. In those societies that are ethical and honest - all of its members are taught to be conscious of the objective nature of their society. In ethical and honest societies power is shared openly with its members and they are educated about its true nature. An example of this deceptive self-preservation strategy of exploiting the neither good nor bad phenomenon of internalisation, internalised within Machiavelli, is in how he blames women in general for disrupting the power of the state. He stresses the importance of states being aware of this incredible power of women. He demonstrates this by describing two men from two different classes who desire the same woman, and the problems that this creates for the class structure of his world - his society. The other force in his world - like gravity, and the incredible power of women to change the laws of nature itself - through their sheer sexual desirability. Certainly not through the power of the society that both these men and women are born into, the society that internalises their social roles, such as skill with violence and skill with sex? Certainly not acquired with the power, that both men and women possess, to learn these skills? Now let us turn to the man himself, the product of his times, as his mistakes and the lessons they demonstrate merit our attention; How Women are a cause of the ruin of States. A feud broke out in Ardea touching the marriage of an heiress, whose hand was sought at the same time by two suitors, the one of plebeian, the other of noble birth. For her father being dead, her guardian wished her to wed the plebeian, her mother the noble. And so hot grew the dispute that resort was had to arms, the whole nobility siding with their fellow-noble, and all the plebeians with the plebeian. The latter faction being worsted, left the town, and sent to the Volscians for help; whereupon, the nobles sought help from Rome. The Volscians were first in the field, and on their arrival encamped round Ardea. The Romans, coming up later, shut in the Volscians between themselves and the town, and, reducing them by famine, forced them to surrender at discretion. They then entered Ardea, and putting all the ringleaders in this dispute to the sword, composed the disorders of the city. In connection with this affair there are several points to be noted. And in the first place we see how women have been the occasion of many divisions and calamities in States, and have wrought great harm to rulers; as when, according to our historian, the violence done to Lucretia drove the Tarquins from their kingdom, and that done to Virginia broke the power of the decemvirs. And among the chief causes which Aristotle assigns for the downfall of tyrants are the wrongs done by them to their subjects in respect of their women, whether by adultery, rape, or other like injury to their honour, as has been sufficiently noticed in the Chapter wherein we treated "of Conspiracies" I say, then, that neither absolute princes nor the rulers of free States should underrate the importance of matter, but take heed to the disorders which it may breed and provide against them while remedies can still be used without discredit to themselves or to their governments And this should have been done by the rulers of Ardea who by suffering the rivalry between their citizens to come to a head, promoted their divisions, and when they sought to reunite them had to summon foreign help, than which nothing sooner leads to servitude. But now let us turn to another subject which merits attention, namely, the means whereby divided cities may be reunited; and of this I propose to speak in the following Chapter.

[@badtuber1654]

The guide to the retardation of society, and politics, he is why everyone is retarded and inhumane.

[@satnamo]

Like 2Pac says: what people do in the struggle for power is madness.

[@Olddog-Wiserdog]

Ahh, too pack... One of the great philosophers of our time! Worthy of mention with Socrates and Marcus Aurelius.

[@mickcox8603]

He just told us the truth on what happens behind closed doors

[@LouielamsonTranNguyen]

Reading Niccolò Machiavelli's book 'The Prince' allows us to explore the intersection between his timeless insights and the dynamics of human society throughout history. Title: Niccolò Machiavelli's Philosophy of Mankind and His Influence on "The Prince," Popes, and Political Dictators. Niccolò Machiavelli was an influential Italian philosopher, diplomat, and historian during the Renaissance era. His political philosophy centered around the pragmatic and realistic approach to governance, which he presented in his renowned work, "The Prince." Absolutely this is wonderful video and thanks sharing.

[@Conn30Mtenor]

He was also a playwright and penned a comedic play that is still popular in Italy today.

[@RockyLee-2023]

मंडरागोला ​@@Conn30Mtenor

[@T0mmy999]

A genius of a man, well ahead of his times that understood survival is not accomplished by morality nor allegiance but being able to assimilate to ones surrounding until the time comes round in your favour to attain your goals. Brilliant man, a true philosopher who was a realist. Reminds me a lot of Thomas Cromwell.

[@symbolsarenotreality4595]

Machiavelli was a mirror of the time and held up in awe by those who are in awe of such times. Nothing more than a reactionary of the ruling class ideology of his time, making insightful commentary about improving the effectiveness of the system he lived within - not changing its nature, but reinforcing its nature - by improving its methods of self-preservation against threats to its existence. A progressive reactionary. Never questioning what the system is based upon, only questioning how it achieves this goal more effectively. An effective defender of his system - through his lack of consciousness of this, through no fault of his own. In his sophisticated internalisation of his society, he is of course not aware that he thinks from within it - carrying all of its assumptions. Never challenging it, not seeing how it could be challenged as it is experienced like the unchangeable laws of physics. Something not created by us, unchangeable by us, something we have to all obey. So, it is never the fault of the internalised social system he lives within, as it is seen as a law of nature that is self-evident from the fact of its being - moment to moment - which is entirely understandable. As demonstrable as gravity itself. So naturally with that in mind Machiavelli would have seen anything that threatened the power of his 'world', the 'laws of nature itself', the 'natural order' etc. as the cause of a problem rather than a solution to or result of the real cause of the problem which is the class structure of the society he lives within. Even if he did think it was flawed in some way, blaming it or trying to change it would be the same as blaming gravity or wishing it was different when you trip over your own feet. Aristotle writes about this same phenomenon in Politics as being a deliberate strategy used by the ruling class. The underlying and of course hidden principle of the strategy is to keep the members of its system blaming one another - rather than the system itself so that they will never fight the system itself, but will fight and blame one another instead. Aristotle talked about this by describing how the ruling classes would deliberately stoke conflict between the different cultures of its slaves so they would fight one another and not unite against their oppressors. This of course protects the system ideologically and creates its soldiers to fight its wars for profit, power and resource control. Wars can be staged and set up along these lines and justified as such on the surface. This has occurred from the 2nd historical mode of production (slavery, the first monetary system) to the 4th historical mode of production, capitalism, the most advanced monetary system (slavery). Internalisation of language, culture, science, superstition etc is simply what occurs to members of all societies when they are born into that society and know nothing else. This natural phenomenon is exploited unethically and deceptively in societies that are not based on truth and ethics. In those societies that are ethical and honest - all of its members are taught to be conscious of the objective nature of their society. In ethical and honest societies power is shared openly with its members and they are educated about its true nature. An example of this deceptive self-preservation strategy of exploiting the neither good nor bad phenomenon of internalisation, internalised within Machiavelli, is in how he blames women in general for disrupting the power of the state. He stresses the importance of states being aware of this incredible power of women. He demonstrates this by describing two men from two different classes who desire the same woman, and the problems that this creates for the class structure of his world - his society. The other force in his world - like gravity, and the incredible power of women to change the laws of nature itself - through their sheer sexual desirability. Certainly not through the power of the society that both these men and women are born into, the society that internalises their social roles, such as skill with violence and skill with sex? Certainly not acquired with the power, that both men and women possess, to learn these skills? Now let us turn to the man himself, the product of his times, as his mistakes and the lessons they demonstrate merit our attention; How Women are a cause of the ruin of States. A feud broke out in Ardea touching the marriage of an heiress, whose hand was sought at the same time by two suitors, the one of plebeian, the other of noble birth. For her father being dead, her guardian wished her to wed the plebeian, her mother the noble. And so hot grew the dispute that resort was had to arms, the whole nobility siding with their fellow-noble, and all the plebeians with the plebeian. The latter faction being worsted, left the town, and sent to the Volscians for help; whereupon, the nobles sought help from Rome. The Volscians were first in the field, and on their arrival encamped round Ardea. The Romans, coming up later, shut in the Volscians between themselves and the town, and, reducing them by famine, forced them to surrender at discretion. They then entered Ardea, and putting all the ringleaders in this dispute to the sword, composed the disorders of the city. In connection with this affair there are several points to be noted. And in the first place we see how women have been the occasion of many divisions and calamities in States, and have wrought great harm to rulers; as when, according to our historian, the violence done to Lucretia drove the Tarquins from their kingdom, and that done to Virginia broke the power of the decemvirs. And among the chief causes which Aristotle assigns for the downfall of tyrants are the wrongs done by them to their subjects in respect of their women, whether by adultery, rape, or other like injury to their honour, as has been sufficiently noticed in the Chapter wherein we treated "of Conspiracies" I say, then, that neither absolute princes nor the rulers of free States should underrate the importance of matter, but take heed to the disorders which it may breed and provide against them while remedies can still be used without discredit to themselves or to their governments And this should have been done by the rulers of Ardea who by suffering the rivalry between their citizens to come to a head, promoted their divisions, and when they sought to reunite them had to summon foreign help, than which nothing sooner leads to servitude. But now let us turn to another subject which merits attention, namely, the means whereby divided cities may be reunited; and of this I propose to speak in the following Chapter.

[@edmurks236]

Pure survival with total disregard for morality equates him with a beast.

[@HGW1776]

@@edmurks236your righteous ideals only survive if you do

[@foxtrotjulietbravo5536]

@m0boc - Exactly my thought.

[@nickfry7839]

​@@HGW1776even dictators avoid making a person into a martyr.

[@andrewcutler4513]

Machiavelli earned the enmity of a trifecta of critics: Those who genuinely held high moralistic standards, those who didn't like that their "trade secrets" were being exposed and those who didn't like what they saw in the mirror which he held up to them.

[@AstralMarmot]

Hey you should do a video on Caravaggio. That guy was a character. If you do, please give lots of screen time to his paintings; they're some of the greatest ever created.

[@davidredmond292]

Thank you for another great video. Well done!

[@ArgueNaught]

Good coverage of one of the most controversial figures in the history of the Western culture. I would suggest dropping the tendency to label any author of just about any book, since literary pursuits are extremely unpredictable. If the writer is truly talented, the resulting piece more often than not will be very different from the writer's own position on anything. Most praised and popular literary works are definitely not what their creators have intended them to be. "The Prince" is one of the perfect examples of such. It is a great manual on realpolitik and therefore has nothing to do with virtue and/or morals. Machiavelli was a scholar and a diplomat before anything else, so his true objective always was to achieve the best possible result based on the experience and knowledge available. Politics being extremely cynical and muddy by nature, it should not be moralized about in the first place. One thing for sure - anybody thinking about a political career would definitely benefit from reading 3 old classics: "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu; "The Prince" by Machiavelli; "The Crowd" by Gustave Le Bon;

[@angelh5762]

There are no solutions only trade offs. T. Sowell. That's a diplomat.

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Fun fact: john II got his epitheth the perfect prince as he lived his life according to machuavelli's idea of one

[@Kid_Ikaris]

Who was John II?

[@lazios]

People still wonder why every city in Italy is one against the other: this video is the answer, we have been fighting one against the other for centuries (and we still do, fortunately only with football though).

[@JoeKerr420]

Anyone who ever dreams of entering politics should read The Prince

[@annetelizabeth]

Most dictators have read his books.

[@wargriffin5]

Can't afford to ignore the 'Discourses on Livy' or his 'Art of War' either.

[@fernandoscrenci4874]

Pile-of-tricks is never Good!!!!

[@philippkoeniger]

⁠@@wargriffin5 Excellent advice! Currently reading the “Discourses on Livy” and together they offer a much more rounded picture of his thought.

[@bertplank9892]

Judging from the paintings Machiavelli was a complete cnut....as usual your ordinary citizen does the dying.(On rare occasions the top cnuts could die...."it's dangerous at the top" unless you're a malleable imbecile like Biden.....

[@terryorourke809]

Excellent work, impressive complexity of Machiavelli well explained. Big thumbs UP!

[@ScipioAfricanus_Chris]

Thank you for covering the Father of Political Science!

[@ScipioAfricanus_Chris]

@@saewha I'll give you that and leave it with the West.

[@roshpinna6708]

I watched *4 times* absolutely great to *understand the challenges and different politicals issues that constradicts each order in order to design the best political ruling to last longer, is it a Republic or a Monarchy, or even a Papal regime* it's also highlight Machiavelli oen struggles to remain important and useful in any of those challenges. after all *Machiavellian mindset* was understandable to navigate in that political struggle. *best documentary as usual* thank you

[@MS-du1jf]

How about a nice long video about The House of Stuart? I think it would be fantastic. All of your videos are. I appreciate how top notch they are. I enjoy learning about the different icons, past and present. Thank you so much for all of your hard work.

[@catholicmilitantUSA]

Really enjoyed watching this! Well done!

[@cdzrocks]

Interesting documentary! He was a far more nuanced person than I had expected.

[@bloomfusion]

Wow! What a full life and what an exhaustive history of Florence. Great documentary. He was a much more charismatic and accomplished man than history gives him credit for. Idealistic, practical, creative and productive. I’d say he was a real Renaissance Man.

[@lupodisol]

Considering the men of the times he had to deal with, he had genius for being a shrewd and honest diplomat yet not being a yes man a person I admire. Forget the Prince, read Florentine Histories including the Four Discourses of Titus Levy, both masterpieces then and now.

[@michaelsmyth3935]

I have done extensive research of Machiavelli and his Era. That second one. I was recommended The Prince by an English Teacher in Junior Year. Very useful.

[@Rohv]

I never knew he was much more than political philosopher and politician. I’m surprised that he was also a distinguished playwright, poet and military leader. Though he may need be one of the great, it appears that he was above average.

[@alexandrechampagne8970]

Great documentary! Bravo!!

[@angeloavanti2538]

A unique individual for unique times. Seems he could be trusted but no one else could be no matter their station in life.

[@StabilityReport]

Machiavelli was not normative, but his descriptions and concepts indicate that he was set on understanding the dynamics of political order that could be used for establishing more viable political forms, including states. For a synthesis of Machiavelli's thought in this regard see: The Garments of Court and Palace by Phillip Bobbitt.

[@jamescrydeman540]

The guy that promoted less ethical or principled behaviours in the catchy sounding phrase. “ the ends justify the means” and people swallowed it. .

[@benisthebest4115]

This was sooo interesting… I never knew his life was so eventful

[@Trump2024asw]

Lol you don't learn what he knew living a peaceful happy life. Unfortunately when you ask an get strength or wisdom from God you're also about to get wrecked.

[@LuisAldamiz]

Never had Machiavelli explained this way: most talk of his "disgrace" after the Medici takeover but almost none of his long political career as Florentine leader. He was clearly very modern and sharp, even socialist at times.

[@sikharaychaudhuri5478]

Just as a family needs circumspect , stern yet benevolent parents to run it well , similarly the heads of states required to be shrewd , unbiased and open to any option that would help the state to be held in place.

[@WhiteBloggerBlackSpecs]

This managed to cover so much about not only Machiavelli's life but the politics and climate of Renaissance Florence very well explained

[@SoftwaresCares]

I was waiting for this. A political genius.

[@badtuber1654]

Politics are trash.

[@VinodSharma-lm6yz]

To be able to appreciate the podcast one must acquaint oneself with 16th century ever changing 1:06:41 1:06:41 Italian political maps, different dynasties changing political power in European sky , warring, friendly , rival groups etc

[@anettesandgren3338]

He was a genius and a fighter of his time!

[@omarthearab81]

One of the greatest thinkers and advisors of the last 500 years.

[@waynehieatt5962]

he was a principled man, and would've been a virtuous man if he wasn't so willing and able to set aside his principles for personal gain.

[@daveblack5109]

So what did I take from this apart from enjoying the program? Machiavelli - To make an omelette you have to break a few eggs.

[@lucindaperez7845]

Excellent Work!!Congratulations 🥰🥰

[@titotarantula9294]

27:11- Mate, this is a Misbaha or Tesbih, the Muslim prayer bead. Roman Catholic rosary beads should have been in this sequence. Amazing video btw!

[@SuperGreatSphinx]

Hail Mary

[@peezyorpj]

The man was a product of his time where politics were more about survival. So it’s unfair to scorn Machiavelli when our political views in the present are different…even though many of his views still hold up to this day.

[@davidk408]

That was very Good, informative! Thanks & Gratitude, Great Article.

[@hollyw9566]

Please do three people's profiles on the main figures of the Borgia family. It would be wonderful to see an honest, non-slanderous, slanted view of the family, the pope and his nephews and nieces (not his sons and daughter), and their aims to unite the Italian peninsula, which was the goal. Pope Alexander Sextus and Cesare well knew that Italy could not become a strong force in the emerging Renaissance world unless and until it united. The Roman families hated the Spanish upstarts. If a few smart families would have united with the Borgia Bull, the future of Italy and perhaps a re-emerging Rome would have been possible. Also, uniting Italy and Spain would have been a considerable achievement, which Cesare Borgia might have managed given the right circumstances. Anyway, the true stories of the Borgias are genuinely fascinating, even if the slanderous tales are very, very interesting as they were, creating one of the most enduring myths of history. But it would be good for the people to have the correct history.

[@dougiesweeny4833]

Those that desire power and/ or wish to maintain it, should show every sign of virtue, yet be prepared to resort to any vice when and where necessary

[@vlsonnydomingo1959]

He just proved that power after all resides in the people and made sure that he presides over their victories. His mistake was passing it on to the to the funders and politicians and forgot that he was the true leader of the people..his militia.and his country.

[@ScyllaWyrm]

I was in Florence just the other day, right before this video appeared. I opted to learn more about other famous ex-residents. Perhaps next time.

[@celloroar5223]

Excellent historical account! Bravo !

[@larspardo4309]

@11:14 Church of San Rufino & lower right, Church of Santa Chiara....why is Assisi in this story?

[@starcrib]

🌿🏛🌿 FANTASTICO- Excellent Narration and Video Production. Full of relevant information and historical record. We are made richer. 🌿🏛🌿

[@my-king]

Ohhh. This will be very interesting. Thank you!

[@josephs3154]

This change my perspective of Machiavelli.. never thought he wrote comedy

[@alzir86]

What is the name of the composition that begins in 1:06:44

[@MajedAlghoul]

The 5th season by Nono

[@HTFWSFWWE]

The Prince was meant as satire, that's why when people tried putting the methods of The Prince into practice it never worked, cuz it was never meant to.

[@nicolakerimov3049]

Thank you for interesting content. Please, if possible turn on auto subtitles.

[@stephanebelizaire3627]

Very Instructive, Bravo !

[@davidskeffington1269]

I do not know which Machiavelli is the one who actually existed. It may be both. Thankyou for the documentary.

[@pelicanbird901]

What is a “virtuous” prince anyway? Machiavelli might have understood that the overarching task of running a government requires a prince’s undivided loyalty to the wellbeing of his people, not to be addled by appearances of virtue. I’m more shocked by the warmongering of the church! Wow! Great video. Keep’em coming. Love the scenery. Italy is so beautiful.

[@MisterDivineAdVenture]

Definitely. I'm glad the contemporary opinion was the same then. A handbook for tyrants indeed. Like Nietzsche - it takes tolerance to read him. Though many of their works are extremely valuable. And so they died plagued and remembered for their anti-humanism..

[@susanshelit]

Never liked Nietschze and having read his work, can't understand why people are so... approving. Same with Machiavelli. To me he is just an early documented narcisist.

[@shawnespinoza9300]

Just read his writings and you would quickly discover he was not manipulative. He wanted a political leader who would put their own morals and beliefs aside to become an effective leader.

[@nestordespaigne4156]

Amazing character!! Extraordinary mind able to see prosperity and peace as his only goals !

[@AliHassan-hb1bn]

It depends on how we interprete the phylosophy of Micheavelli wether it is good or bad.

[@aarondemiri486]

Must do some research on this man's life and works. Fantastic video on one of the most important political theorists ever,

[@lonewolfnergiganos4000]

Indeed, if you don't mind me asking, are you a historian?

[@aarondemiri486]

@@lonewolfnergiganos4000 Nope I study history and politics at uni though.

[@lonewolfnergiganos4000]

@@aarondemiri486 oh okay, awesome. I'm also going to study for history

[@janschipper5750]

Nice video. Thanks.

[@cupcakequeen0617]

‘I'm only cryptic and Machiavellian 'Cause I care.’ -Taylor Swift ❤

[@rayden120]

What about Ezio and the Assassin order

[@dennistravers8392]

Your picture @ 3:54 is NOT Lorenzo de Medici, but his son.

[@superdivemaster]

Just a guy who did his best to get ahead in the world !!! He seems pretty cool ... Excellent video ...

[@janavandenheuvel810]

He was a master diplomat and politician...

[@rdsc.455]

Not in his own life. He wrote most of these writings during the period of his isolation from active politics.

[@dawnysinger7835]

I have heard of his name. I've learned a lot. Politics.

[@deniseandrews113]

Thank you for posting. The narrator could slow down a bit. This is too interesting to miss any part of it 😊

[@nisigate]

After listening to this brilliant man’s life I will not buy into his name being used as a manipulative tool. As a Christian the church was and is quite to paint people who challenge their evil deeds a a broad stroke. He was a hero in the mix of turbulence times.

[@edmurks236]

maybe to you but not to all he was a self serving ultimate politician.

[@didndido3638]

Machiavellis marvelous observational work is doomed to be misinterpreted by left and right.

[@kenmore01]

I don't believe he deserves a reputation for being sneaky and manipulative. Watching this leads me to believe he was a very good leader. Fortunately, the term "Machiavellian" is becoming rarely used anymore.

[@cassiusijeomah4239]

Nicollo Machiavelli Was A Great Man A Philosopher Who Impacted The World So Sad Now Most People Have Forgotten About This Great Man

[@edmurks236]

His work is still used as a text book in many leadership training courses today especially political training maybe thats why the world is in such a mess now.

[@Corre1210]

However, the Prince is based on king Ferdinand II of Aragón and V of Castilla, Ferdinand was also a very smart pholitician.

[@121_shivamkumar5]

People opposing him, secretely love him and are using his ideas.

[@1stgengamer73]

Makaveli tha Don 👑the greatest ever!!!

[@77Directv]

Machiavelli/Tupac' Can you feel me!! Hail Mary. lolol 🤣🤣

[@SuperGreatSphinx]

Ave Maria

[@LampshadeDoggo]

Dude knew how to think on his feet, that's for sure. 👍

[@nancydelvalle7728]

Not a manipulator, just a good political strategist.

[@leolacasse6278]

his work wouldn't have survived if he were not for all the people, all the time, regardless of what alternatives he may have proposed. incredible mind.

[@SokhomPrins]

Thank you for such work, it is of good knowledge. I am a historian found this episode of an epic in itself is fascinating part of world history, events took place impacted world.