Machiavelli

You can find Machiavelli's work here amzn.to/3Pp1Hnt
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Dr. Michael Sugrue earned his BA at the University of Chicago and PhD at Columbia University.

[@TunaTheMiner]

Fun fact: This lecture was entirely improvised. The person who was supposed to give the lecture had an episode moments before going on stage and Dr. Sugrue filled in for him at the last second. He brought a blank piece of paper with him on stage to make the audience think he wasn't just making it up. This story was told on the Idea Store podcast Q&A part 3.

[@michaelpattiani7230]

That’s amazing, good for all is listening 😮❤. I smile every time a new episode comes out.

[@tomasroque3338]

Improvised*

[@robinsarchiz]

An episode?

[@tomasroque3338]

@@robinsarchiz Episode noun: episode; plural noun: episodes 1 - an event or a group of events occurring as part of a sequence; an incident or period considered in isolation. "the whole episode has been a major embarrassment" 2 - a finite period in which someone is affected by a specified illness. "acute psychotic episodes"

[@stevemartinez1360]

@@tomasroque3338 sir, I encourage you to rethink your purpose.

[@ashfaquehossain8592]

Dr. Michael Sugrue is Professor of History at Ave Maria University. A graduate of the Great Books Program, he earned his B.A. in History from the University of Chicago and his M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. in History from Columbia University. Prior to taking his position at Ave Maria University, Professor Sugrue taught at Princeton University, the City College of New York, Columbia University, Manhattan College, New York University, Hampton University, and Touro College. He served as the Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow at Johns Hopkins University from 1992 to 1994. Professor Sugrue was awarded the Chamberlain Fellowship, the President's Fellowship, the John Jay Fellowship, and the Meyer Padva Prize.

[@GODHATESADOPTION]

Hope he knows the books based on pope sixtus...

[@ryanv2324]

Strangely, it was the news of this mans passing that made me click on one of his lectures just out of curiosity and ive been non stop listening since. So a post-mortem thank you sir

[@timangar9771]

Nothing more badass than lecturing for 42 minutes 50 seconds on how to be a villain, calling it "Machiavelli" and dropping it on youtube without further comment.

[@Supermoneygang12]

You know this is like 40 years old right

[@YABUKIJOE2077]

@@Supermoneygang12 it’s an old video. Good observation

[@user-hu3iy9gz5j]

Can’t be a villain if you wield power

[@eman85mph]

Tell that to the cosmic spectrum 🎚 ​@@user-hu3iy9gz5j

[@mike_theskinny8646]

re eee eeeeeeeee eeeeeee ee I eee eee ree eeeee ee eeerte I ereeee I ee I can r pd e e e eee r pd e e e ee eeerte eereeteee I eee reee e eeee er ee I ee eee ree rebeee I e e eg hatch and e ee eeerte I e s t eee eeer I e r ee eeeeeee eereeerre I can e ererreeee eeereeee eeeeeeee r eee reee the rreeee I e e eg r ee ge I ee eee e eg eee ree e eg reee g eeg er r ee I er proud ee e eg eeee eeeee the other e eeer e re e r r r pd rr e eg e rr the eeeeee to the e e r re r r erre❤ ere e e e e er rere re r pd rr r ee eeeeeee ee eeerte eereeteee rererr e ee I er e eg ​

[@AndrewShingange]

This man's handle on the English language is intimidating. He speaks so effortlessly, it's aaaaaaaMAZING

[@eman85mph]

Easier to listen to and grasp than even Alan Watts 👂 ❤

[@jacuzzistyles5997]

Michael, I started watching your lectures 3yrs ago… I’m 34 and entered college last spring. your lectures hatched something in my soul. Now I’m majoring in political science, and minoring in philosophy.

[@-Magnetized]

How’s it going?

[@iwanttodie7199]

college at 34? wow

[@-Magnetized]

@@iwanttodie7199 ^imagine being this guy. It’s not his fault you gave up on yourself

[@iwanttodie7199]

@@-Magnetized we clear college at 18, unis at 22 so yeah nah bud.

[@-Magnetized]

@@iwanttodie7199 your YT profile name is “iwanttod!e”. Like I said before, it’s not his fault your life sucks and you gave up on yourself.

[@nomankhan2337]

Hands down the best philosophy content on whole KZbin.

[@sirliridon.4419]

Rick Roderick too

[@ethansadberry6069]

Yes fr

[@dr.bilalnazir]

Check the lectures of Dr. Arthur Holmes

[@Ybby999]

@@huzi46 not really philosophy, he talks about MMA a lot and also he's against homosexuals.

[@huzi46]

@@Ybby999 you Clearly haven’t watched most of his content lmao, and no he doesn’t hate on Homosexuals. Only says to leave the kids out of it.

[@dompishen]

These lectures are honestly the best philosophy content on youtube.

[@Bear-ow9gy]

"like anybody could even know that - Kip Dynamite

[@dompishen]

@@Bear-ow9gy You´ll come around.

[@grantshearer5615]

I owe Machiavelli alot. I read the Prince when I was 19 and it woke me up to all the political corruption and manipulation of our modern world. It changed me from a leninist socialist to a free thinking human being

[@adriansamsonhiluf7653]

Just leave it at ''political corruption and manipulation.'' There nothing old or modern about it. watch enough geopolitical documentaries enough and the patterns emerge. its 3:13 am over here and i cant help but wonder what Machiavelli was doing 500yrs ago on this day.

[@khalilfuller4939]

Haha, I believe I was 20 when my eyes awaken as well 🤞🏽 (how does it feel to join the grey side)

[@mr.mintman7545]

Capitalist corruption and manipulation lol... socialist parties have no power in the west

[@vaughncollins1386]

I’m 20 and just read it! Yes I totally agree, idealism unfortunately can be easily corrupted by pragmatic and utilitarian people, after reading it I realized no ideology is immune from Machiavellian types. Unfortunately corruption will be a perpetual political problem and the importance doesn’t lie on a political spectrum but in taming corruption.

[@grantshearer5615]

@@vaughncollins1386 another tip is that the Bible holds the true religion. While there is plenty of evidence, the 1260 year reign of the popes is one of the biggest pieces imo.

[@MRSXIV]

RIP Dr. Sugrue…. You provided us with hours upon hours of fascinating lectures & made our lives much more interesting…. A great man.

[@clubx1000]

Sad to hear sad to hear sad to hear

[@robertfrancisburnier6032]

I am in awe of the detail, richness, context, clarity, urgency and relevance conveyed by this lecturer from his own memory apparently impromptu. An inspiring introductory lecture to Machiavelli. Regardless of his ultimate personal views, this professor really knows his subject matter.

[@m.mahdi_BRN]

Teaching is an art. What a brilliant teacher. 👏

[@alecunkel1613]

Wooow, the most fascinating talk I’ve ever heard. This guy is absolutely brilliant to give this off the top of his head

[@iceswallow7717]

0:47 to understand American mentality

[@LordVader1094]

​@@iceswallow7717That's people in any country

[@TheDeputyDC]

I was waiting for him to say "Mr. Anderson" the whole time. Gave me matrix vibes. Absolutely loved this lecture/talk whatever you wanna call it. Pure awesomeness

[@nobodynobody4389]

Good observation made me chuckle

[@jool5941]

Agent Smith would’ve been a huge fan of Machiavelli.

[@bingolittle8725]

I've been looking forward to this. Thanks Dr Sugrue.

[@yatingour2595]

Had really wanted a lecture on Machiavelli for so long. Thank you for this!

[@AwokenEntertainment]

have always been curious about Machiavelli's work, this was an incredible dive into these ideas

[@hamslammula6182]

Just from the title and thumbnail alone I can already tell that this is going to be the lecture of all lectures

[@kunalgupta339]

Great teacher..he explains the philosophy with so much interest and in simple terms that it is never boring...really a genius.

[@SwitzerlandEducation4471]

Just follow me for education purpose

[@Bear-ow9gy]

​@@SwitzerlandEducation4471 learn to write properly first.

[@SwitzerlandEducation4471]

@@Bear-ow9gy sorry how you teach me?

[@johnmanole4779]

​@@SwitzerlandEducation4471 you high my guy? 😂

[@jool5941]

@grandmasterkhaan5661 me learn good Brain go big

[@zigo9284]

Great lecture about 2Pac, thanks❤️

[@tshepomosia7129]

Lol

[@fishy7564]

makaveli up this bitch ;D

[@frankiegunnz8066]

No no, 2pac wanted to be him. 😋

[@MAGHANDI3265]

😂

[@thato4639]

​@@frankiegunnz8066 he just used his story( about faking death) as a concept creatively also with jesus, clever

[@dunkman393]

Thank you so much for these videos Professor. You enrich our lives.

[@ryza2859]

I love these lectures, thank you

[@adilchaudhry3272]

Thank you for your work and contributions

[@Growmetheus]

I have learned so much from several of his talks, but this one is the one that just makes me giggle whenever I think of it. Evil genius.

[@zoomx4760]

Just brilliant, thank you.

[@sazi2451]

This lecturer is so bright and so thorough. 😮

[@Luke_Stoltenberg]

The Prince must be one of the oldest books I've read. I read it for no other reason than because I'd heard the author mentioned a great deal and I thought it was worth looking at. It seemed like pretty straightforward and fairly accurate description of power and its consequences. I've come to think that many people think of it as some kind of instruction manual, and I guess it is in a way, whether it is descriptive or prescriptive is one's own choice. Knowledge will only accentuate your existing character. It is only dangerous to a dangerous person, either in their hands or in the hands of those who haven't caught on to them

[@Bear-ow9gy]

Boring!

[@WesleyNiman]

Character is defined by one's own thoughts and habits. I believe you are referring to personality. Which still doesn't define one's destiny. You must not exclude the impact of personal choice.. for it shapes your destiny.

[@harrireyes1459]

This bozo is a liberal idiot.

[@MaxwellJWhite]

machiavelli was not evil at all... he simply studied those in power and noted which tactics worked or didnt work

[@Eisenwulf666]

​@@MaxwellJWhiteThis. People nowadays can't differentiate between an author and his works apparently. He was an experienced politician and a passionate reader of history books. He analyzed the situation in Italy at the time and wrote an instruction manual of sorts, meant for the young Medici. He recognized that Italy was divided in many little states, sometimes even city states, that had little armies or even employed mercenaries. He knew that they wouldn't stand a chance against France, the HRE or even the Ottomans, which were great nations with many resources and a state army. Diplomacy and morals are all nice and cute, but the wolves are at the gates waiting.

[@HardWhiteChocalate]

incredible lecture, thank you for upload

[@EliteBuildingCompany]

Excellent thinker, telling it how it is not how it ought to be. Fantastic lecture, cheers.

[@jasonavant7470]

The occasional sound of thunder in the background adds to the atmosphere of such a topic. As a somewhat bored office worker chained to my desk, these lectures are wonderful.

[@lbits]

Thank you for sharing. This was so digestible.

[@maxrubio4246]

Thank you Dr Sugrue

[@MurrayDsGuitarandBass]

I’ve been waiting for this one! These lectures are always appreciated

[@guyvanburen]

thank you for uploading this

[@cheri238]

Thank you, sir. always

[@neo1559]

I love these lectures!

[@bosshog5335]

i've been waiting for this!!!!!!!! I'm so excited!!!

[@frankbongio]

Dr. Sugrue is spoiling us

[@wafaanoureddine2542]

Unbelievably great thanks 🙏

[@kevconn441]

I loved reading The Prince at university. Much better than anything else on the reading list.

[@innatecharisma]

More gems and knowledge. Thank you sir.

[@jmhaugen4757]

I normally enjoy Dr. Sugrue's lectures, but this one was clearly a surface-level examination of Machiavelli. While "The Prince" is everything Sugrue said it is, the author was anything BUT a "prince" as he depicted it. Machiavelli wrote poetry and screenplays. The height of his political career was a foreign emissary-type post that let Machiavelli travel across Italy and Europe. He also didn't retire; he was exiled after being tortured by the faction that ousted the Medici for a time. And most damning to the lecture's assertion is the fact that Machiavelli was a great fan of the republican form of government. Even in "The Prince", Machiavelli says that tyranny is only a stepping stone to a better system. And nowhere in "The Prince" does Machiavelli assert that EVERYONE should act like a tyrant.

[@OmnomnomPancake]

Exile is forced retirement, no?

[@Nikkola.369]

From what I've learned the book wasn't even popular until after Machiavelli's death. Dr. Sugrue's analysis on this book does seem 101 for people who don't know anything about the book, nonetheless he's an excellent speaker!!

[@opiliones4202]

@@OmnomnomPancake machiavelli continued to write and create after his exile tho

[@dwl3006]

I am pretty sure that Machiavelli was tortured by the Medicis not the Florentines.

[@evgeniptolemy5570]

The surface level analysis of this subject is due to the fact the scheduled speaker had an episode of some sort and Dr. Sugrue filled in last minute. Still enjoyable.

[@yellowquantum4240]

I read the Prince as a teenager, really cool as a mature man to hear this again. Human nature is like a bag of snakes , not all are poisonous most are!!

[@SamServ-ht4re]

This is a great quote ima use “human nature is like a bag of snakes not all are poisonous most are “

[@TheOceanBearer]

I think human nature is more like a magic box in which you never know what will come out when you open it. Sometimes poisonous snakes, sometimes apes in heat, sometimes parents arguing fervently and stubbornly, sometimes someone giving their life to save a complete stranger's, sometimes unnameable and alien yet closer and more familiar than home. Human nature is a kind of bestial magic. Once you think you have made sense of it, it will throw you for another loop.

[@Bear-ow9gy]

​@@SamServ-ht4re this is a great quote I'ma use "this is a great quote I'ma use human nature is like a bag"

[@erikdegby4652]

It's really No such thing as Human nature, everything is learned behavior.

[@yellowquantum4240]

@@erikdegby4652 betrayal, hate, abandonment human nature. Love , and love again no matter what ...human.

[@kirandeepkaur8082]

RIP DR. Torn by this news . Thank you for your beautiful contributions . May you rest in paradise.

[@stevemartinez1360]

If this was anyone else, the quality would be an issue. Sugrue… grabbing my popcorn.

[@yourchildhooddog]

Michael, if you’re reading this I just want you to know that your presentation here and this video have impacted me so much and helped me grow out of a lot of bad habits that were instilled in me when I was young . You’ve been a great role model in my adult life and I think about your words, your invaluable insights and your lectures almost every day ❤ Thank you again

[@retribution999]

I've read much of Machiavellis works. I didn't find the same man as you describe here. I found great wisdom and pragmatism, but not evil.

[@tayk-47usa41]

yeah having read the prince about a year ago i had to wonder if i’ve even read the book or if he read another one lol

[@Khosann1]

This!

[@interesting2491]

Great speaker - such an easy listen 👍

[@AntiVegan]

What a great speaker 🙏

[@clovers-zi5fe]

I've been salivating waiting for this lecture.

[@chaosdweller]

LMAO !

[@KenshoBeats]

Another new (old) one! Saved in my playlist. On Saturday morning I will take a coffee and sit in the garden to listen to Sugrue, looking forward, thank you!

[@ivanpb1983]

This was so good, that I had to rewinded to watch it again.

[@ANON1NE]

I disagree with sugrue’s view on machiavelli here. The prince does not appear to promote iniquity. It simply addresses the fact that it is not always possible to do what is good as doing so can lead to your (and your states) downfall. Machiavelli doesn’t choose fear over love. He choses both. However he acknowledges that in a conflict of interest between the two then fear is a more reliable option. That doesn’t make it right or more preferable. All of these lessons in the prince are to be employed to increase the quality of life of the populous. Machiavelli was writing in a time when weak leadership resulted in Italy’s integrity, faith and culture being up for sale to the highest bidder. Italy had become somewhat of a concubine due to hedonisitic men in power. the prince outlines the way to overthrow these men at their own game. However this is just my opinion so perhaps i am a fool.

[@mihaidinul]

You are many things I’m sure, but a fool is not one of them

[@ei7565]

I think there is a deeper idea here to Sugrue. The big takeaway, Machiavelli is deriving actions, not from any kind of metaphysical direction (religion, spirituality) and was coomon for the day, rather the best action is the one that yields the biggest advance of power in the here and now. Yes, it is not always possible to do what is good, if that "good" does not advance your standing as much as fear could. Notice the way Machiavelli rationalizes decisions, and that is what Sugrue is getting at here. This is the shift away from actions being determined from metaphysical codes and instead toward systems of men/science.

[@user-hu3iy9gz5j]

The premise of The Prince is quite simply how to keep power when in power, and reading it in those terms will prove more fruitful than to read it as a system of ethics or a series of arbitrary value judgements. It’s a work of realism (how power actually operates) and not moralism (how power ought to operate)

[@ANON1NE]

@@user-hu3iy9gz5j I would argue that it is about acquiring and overthrowing power in an already corrupt system, but not keeping power. As it holds the abdication of categorical imperatives (morals and virtue) when necessary at its core. Doing so can lead to short term gains but weaken the state as a whole. I.e. the cloak and dagger of an ally may enable you to retain power but sets a precedent that betrayal is acceptable. Thus the whole system and state becomes machiavellian as those who are not are killed/ removed from positions of power. Thus if individuals cannot trust one another then cooperation is no longer possible and the state divides and crumbles. Division to pestilence to war to famine to death. The prince outlines how to play the game so that you can change the game. Cut throats on the way up then destroy rebuild and replace the existing system when ontop. Of course this will lead to sacrifice but thats what a sonum bonum is most Of the time. Again just my opinion.

[@Pdrock2001]

A remarkable analysis 👏 of Machaivelli . For all the evil characteristics associated with him , one cannot deny the sheer brilliance with which he explained the connection between your Shadow and the collective political shadow coexisting together in the grander scheme of power and politics . Machiavelli is a necessary evil one which needs to be assessed and learned if one wants to escape tyranny or rise above it .

[@Ionic457]

Ugh. These lectures are changing my life. Can’t thank you enough for sharing your knowledge with the world.

[@EyeLean5280]

Thanks very much for this.

[@tigerstriker]

Brilliant lecture..thank you

[@ok-kk3ic]

Ive been waiting for this one

[@crypticTV]

8:50 worked for medeci family 1:40 Attainment of political power 4:20 Justice is from coercion. 6:24 Donald Trump - Art of the Deal 7:00 Religious morality 7:50 Joseph Stalin's favourite book 9:30 10:20 Medici prince flattery 11:10 Love is nice but fear is predictable 13:20 Wolf 17:30 The Lion and the fox 18:50 Military head over town 29:00 Freud 33:00 Rulers and people like sheep herders and sheep 33:30 Odysseus 35:30 Plato's cave 36:45 Those who have not sinned cast first stone

[@user-qk8tm5xx4d]

Discovered Dr Michael Sugrue's content way too late. Incredible.

[@othmanehdidou5640]

كمية كبيرة من المعلومات حصلت عليها بعد إنتهائي من مشاهدة هذه المحاضرة شكرا أستاذ 👏👏

[@localvideos3668]

This man makes Philosophy edible. Any time i sit to listen to his lectures, it's like mealtime. The appetite to eat the intellectual food he serves is so deep. Thanks for being a teacher.

[@CatMoonErickson]

FANTASTIC Lecture!

[@demonicark2687]

Absolutely precise and easy to understand! This lecture has given much more wider perspective to my study. Thanks for the wonderful lecture🎉♥️

[@sagarpatel6841]

Thank you , seriously he teaches so well.

[@tubthump]

He walks around too much

[@ichbindoofhihi1]

oh my god I was searching for lectures from Dr Sugrue about Machiavelli, this is great!

[@thomasjeffersonscott]

Dope lecture, thanks for uploading!

[@ryans3001]

Thank You!

[@LasArmas_]

Thank you & Happy MayDay

[@Ryan-fv5ve]

What a video, even more impressive when you learn that this was improvised. It takes a deep understanding to be able to coherently and informatively speak on a topic for near an hour.

[@alilutfi2588]

Thank you !

[@Levelupliv]

Awed by Dr surgrue's brilliance.

[@raymondsamo9808]

When you thought there were no more lectures

[@chaosdweller]

🤔............ haha! (telling myself my own inside jokes again that I normally do on YT that I don't always explain I'm doing like here that may not have anything to do with u haha).

[@chadklasens4927]

Half way into this, and wow! What an insightful and elucidating lecture so far. Bravo.

[@mahendarsoni2079]

Hands down the best form of articulation i have ever seen. Me who struggles to watch a 10min youtube video just watched this 40min video with full attention. Loved the way you just explained everything ❤

[@SolidRollin]

Thank you.

[@skyfathersound]

When those violins hit you better be ready to kneel. Sugrue on Machiavelli! This one is going to be glorious

[@templephantom6613]

Amazing lectures!

[@chaosdweller]

Which one are u this time ....? haha.

[@chaosdweller]

Oh yes indeed btw.

[@kellyannpage1469]

Thankyu. Gonna follow yu .. a true educator .. entertains and informs .. yu do both

[@gamer-cn5ho]

Wow this was simple yet amazing

[@cathairpatrick6341]

This fella doesn't get Italy in the middle ages. Machiavelli cast a cold, detached eye on human nature. Everything he describes informs out reality today. Machiavelli isn't evil, he's unapologetically analytical and honest.

[@user-hu3iy9gz5j]

Yes, an honest work such as The Prince must be countered with relevant arguments on basis of power and realism, not run-of-the-mill moralism

[@jool5941]

Yes. He speaks like politicians used to be good when they had their religion to dictate morals but he fails to acknowledge all of the horrible atrocities committed in the name of religion.

[@jool5941]

I still admire his view point though. It was a very interesting lecture.

[@user-hu3iy9gz5j]

It is fair if you want to criticize Machiavelli on a moral basis for his lack of moral considerations, but since the Prince is ultimately about realistically maintaining power you must extend your analysis further than that

[@mercedes932]

Ahh the famous lecture - Sugrue ad-libbed it on the spot when the prof who was supposed to present suffered from stage fright.

[@MichaelMorenoPhilosophy]

Source?

[@ultimusromanorum]

And misinformed the audience, yeah. What a clown this guy Sugrue is.

[@malachickisawesome]

@@ultimusromanorumget his ass

[@malachiwarner5699]

​@@ultimusromanorumWhat did he get wrong?

[@natarajrangayana]

Great ! Like it so much Full wisdom and realistic content!

[@eyobzewdie9305]

Incredible mind. Pls keep Up the good job.

[@raymondcoronarubalcabaiii5975]

I'm very proud of you. Hopefully that means something. 😘

[@TroyJamesMonger]

Excellent, thank you Dr. Sugrue for sharing this dissection of the Machiavellian world view :]

[@user-dk1no6sm4n]

thanks for uploading! very interesting subject

[@jians.2464]

these retro lectures are better than anything on the internet today

[@andrewbowen2837]

One of the more important points made in the book that was not commented on in the video lecture is the control of fortune. Fortune, meaning chance, is something known since the ancients as limiting on what the good citizen and the good regime are. By chance, you are either born in a time where you can be both a good citizen and a good person (by way of being born into the good regime), or not. For Machiavelli, he notes that by chance, he was not born into an opportunity where he could ascend to political power, nor would his ideas take root. Think of the messenger from Nietzsche's thought, who came preaching into the town square, only to be laughed at and realize that he had been sent by fortune too early. So Machiavelli instead proposes that fortune, as impactful as it is in politics, should be limited and controlled by man, beaten into submission. This way, every regime would be the "good" regime. This very notion was put into practice by Modernism, where the goal of establishing a utopia, a heaven on earth, and removing chance from the equation by lowering the basis of the regime away from metaphysics and the good, something high, became the project. For this reason, I would disagree ever so slightly with Dr. Sugrue about Machiavelli's view of nature. Regarding human nature, there is no disagreement; but nature writ large, Machiavelli wanted to control it. Thus, we have the Enlightenment, and science becomes the ultimate tool of controlling nature, and politics the satisfaction of the most basic of human desires

[@camorinbatchelder6514]

I would say Machiavelli is domain-specific. He wasn’t a philosopher of human nature writ large, but rather human behavior in the political, existential realm.

[@andrewbowen2837]

@@camorinbatchelder6514 I see what you mean, but back then, I don't think the two were differentiated. Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau all used human nature as their baseline to make political assessments

[@camorinbatchelder6514]

@@andrewbowen2837 I haven’t read “Leviathan”, the “Treaties”, etc. that closely, so I can’t comment on them. Machiavelli wasn’t as philosophical as Sugrue makes him out to be. He simply looked at political behavior as it was, not how it should be.

[@andrewbowen2837]

@@camorinbatchelder6514 Dr. Sugrue doesn't really get into the details of the book unfortunately. He pretty much claims that it is horrible and would have dire consequences if implemented. That being said, I think there is a good bit of both "is" and "ought" in politics being described. Machiavelli notes that Italy is in a bad place, and he thinks the most successful leader should model themselves after the actions of Cesare Borgia, and not like some of those who caved in to the church and moral sentiments. At the least he thought that Italy was in need of what he viewed to be a clever and unrelenting leader, with good examples from history (thus in some regard detailing how politics are/were), and he didn't think the younger Lorenzo Medici was capable

[@camorinbatchelder6514]

@@andrewbowen2837 Machiavelli certainly had a vision, I agree.

[@shyamalchowdhury7088]

I would like to hear more philosophy lectures like this from you, entirely from memory.

[@rhrh9128]

He was FABULOUS. Wonderful thinker and speaker. Broad mind. Great listening.Time flew.

[@wicomms]

Was? IS!

[@Aeon490]

I think I heard in one of the Q&A's that this lecture was winged last minute. Pretty good for that.

[@templephantom6613]

I hope there are more of Dr Sugrue's lectures in depth. Its amazing to listen to him. Wish my lecturers were as good and able to capture attention like him..

[@adriansamsonhiluf7653]

"Machiavelli was not really Machiavellian." Is the recurring pattern. He shortly wrote The prince after being released from where he underwent torture. That might explain his state of mind when he wrote that book. Its not that he was trying to suck up to the Medici while they were trying to avoid being seen as taking his advice but that the Florence court had already been practicing principles found in his book, whether conciously or unconsciously. Back then City states would create feeble alliances while at the same time plan on how to betray you six ways to Sunday. I see how his kind gesture to the Medici might have been seen as suspicious right after they came back to power.

[@DarrellJamal]

We love you Mr. Sugrue.

[@shockbroker]

Amazing content. Worth watching despite the sound/image quality!

[@14nst3w4rt]

Michael Sugrue is a top top lecturer - knows the material without referring to notes. Top class! Chapeau!

[@arjunabeuger]

Unfortunately, his depiction of Machiavelli’s character isn’t accurate at all. Supposedly, Machiavelli wasn’t this bloodthirsty, powerhungry “wolf”, as he is characterized by Sugrue. Good lecturer with a poor understanding of Machiavelli. But since it was improvised, I’d cut him some slack.

[@dredcaulfield9028]

Been wishing he'd do machiavelli! Sweet.

[@OneOneThree-wl7ml]

Beautifully said

[@bobbijokramm1976]

Appreciate this💯

[@TopShelfTheology]

If you're interested in Machiavelli, you need to read James Burnham's "The Machiavellians." Very interesting, more recent historical significance. Burnham spends the first half of the book on a history lesson of the time of Machiavelli here, Sugrue mentions a lot of it in passing, but it's more significant than he lets on. The Holy Roman Empire first and foremost, among other rivals like France and the Ottoman Empire, was growing very powerful. And while these rivals were organizing, Italy's city states were indeed frail and floundering, mostly making metaphysical and classical arguments for why the aristocracy should rule, and flattering each other, and going to wars over petty things, and their people generally growing to resent their aristocracy. The Prince was really written to these people to say, quit fucking around, one of you has to rise up and be serious, or else the we'll all be speaking German. Here's the brass tacks practical manual for collecting power, and defending Italy from her neighbors. The second half of Burnham's book explains that that is an accurate and useful manual in a world of monarchist governments. In the late 1800s, as democracies had become popular, and the Industrial Revolution was causing lots of upheaval in the way societies looked at the nature of work, labor, relations to capital and corporations, relations to government, and toying with the ideas of Marxism, there were four Italian political philosophers, who all tried to take Machiavelli's spirit, and apply it to democratic environments. They asked, what is necessary to gather power in a democratic environment? Not, how do you game your royal rivals, but, how do your game your populace writ large and convince them to vote for you? How do you maintain long term democratic power? These were the people who laid the groundwork for Mussolini to pick up and form fascism. They were read by the early Soviets to establish Communism in Russia. In the 1940s, Burnham was writing to an American audience to understand the roots of totalitarianism, and how it was achieved through democracy, specifically by the use of mass media messaging, control of information, and corruption of journalism. Burnham was sounding the alarm on fake news in the 1940s and his book is still very relevant today.

[@RealAmericanStar]

Thank you for your informative comment. 👍

[@benjamingarland9931]

Great book.