The quote that I picked isn't necessarily the most outrageous thing that Machiavelli wrote, but it is one that I particularly liked.
"A prudent man should always set out on paths beaten by those who are truly great and worthy of imitation. This way, even if his own skill does not attain the same heights, he can at least expect to achieve some of the effect."
I believe that Machiavelli is correct in his statement. But the most important thing in this statement is that this can only be achieved by a "prudent man." This means that the person undertaking this endeavor must be at the least, competent. He (or she) doesn't need to be as great or fantastic as the person that they are following in the path of, but they must have some skill. A complete idiot cannot follow after the path of someone as great as say the Founding Fathers of America. But someone who knows a thing or two can attempt to achieve what they did, and even if they don't get the full effect, they can do some good.
Machiavelli went on and spoke of how an archer who knows his own skill, as he is aiming at a target far away will aim higher then the sighted target so that when the arrow falls short, it will be close to the mark. This might be the origins of the saying "shoot for the moon, because if you miss, you will still land among the stars." Machiavelli said many things that upset a lot of people, but overall I believe the man was quite intelligent, just blatantly honest about tough subject matter.
I like these ideas as well, but I think there is a small caveat. It is very instructive and you can learn a lot by following in someone else's paths, but this type of learning should have its limits. Essentially, when we learn in the classroom, or begin a research project, we are following a precedence, a protocol that has already been established. A prudent man, though, would follow these steps explicitly, to a certain point and then venture out into unknown territory on his own, so that his learning can truly progress.
ReplyDeleteI agree with that statement to an extent. There are basic truths which should be followed that lead to greatness. For example following the example of the Savior will lead to happiness and eternal life. But, looking at that quote from a different perspective, great things can come about when one exercises ingenuity and creativity, like great scientists and inventors who made discoveries by not following what "great men" of the time believed. Very thought provoking.
ReplyDeleteYou bring up some really good points. Almost every political leader has their ways rooted in those of another before them. Leaders, good and evil alike have taken ideas from others as a means to model their governing style. Also, I think we sometimes accuse political leaders (especially those we don't like) as being unintelligent, but when in reality they posses great skills even if it we disagree with them.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thoughts about Machiavelli, that he was very intelligent and tried to be blatantly honest according to his understanding and observation. I do disagree about his conclusions though, because they all seem to be based on the idea that nobody has any level of morality, and that each individual should act according to his personal advantage regardless of lives lost or people injured. I have more faith in the human race. I hope that Machiavelli is not right about the nature of man, and I hope we can all help change that view by the things we do here on the earth. I like your quote, as it summarizes one of my main goals in this life, that is to follow the example of Jesus Christ in helping others. I can only hope I am prudent enough to achieve the goal.
ReplyDeleteI liked that quote as well! What you said about an idiot following after successful people made me smile! It is true, though, that you do not have to be a genius to follow the wisdom and example of others. Nice blog post!
ReplyDeleteI appreciated all of your thoughts and input! I love how you took a more positive look on The Prince - I agree that Machiavelli was very intelligent and did overall have good points, but hidden among blunt and somewhat offensive statements. Your blog gives many people hope to aspire to be like those who came before us - that's what we do anyways, right? We all have examples in our life and strive to be more like them!
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