Discourses

There are some works of philosophy/political science that attempt to explain how the world "should be" viewed according to an often rigid and static theory of knowledge. Machiavelli's Discourses instead explains how the world "is" and because of this is not a work of mere philosophy but of prophecy. Machiavelli notes that people's "passions and desires" are the same in the present as in the past and at his frequent best, he unearths these eternal penetrating truths of human and social behavior. Purists have often criticized Machiavelli for his apparent contractions although he is no more contradictory than human behavior itself. In many respects The Discourses reminds me in both its framework and style of De Tocqueville's Democracy In America, another great work of political psychology/sociology, as both works are based on nothing more than a master observer relaying to their readers their discovered truths of human behavior.Among other topics readers of these pages will learn the following:*That religion is the cause of greatness in republics and the neglect of it the cause of their ruin;*Why a prince/republic should not seek to immediately eradicate an issue that has gripped the state;*Why generals should immediately resign after a great victory;*Why a "city that at its outset was in servitude to another should find it not merely difficult, but impossible, ever to draw up a constitution that will enable it to enjoy tranquility" (clearly reminiscent of the former Soviet Union)*That prudent men always make a favor of doing that's that of necessity they are constrained to do anyhow;*Why it will always be easy to persuade the populace to adopt bold actions even though disaster is concealed within them, and why it will be difficult to persuade the masses to adopt a course of action that appears cowardly or hopeless even though safety and security lies beneath.*That men always praise bygone days and criticize the present;*That cities have never increased their wealth unless they have been independent, and that its not the well-being of individuals that make cities great but the well being of the community...As soon as tyranny replaces self-government it ceases to make progress in power and wealth;*That successful wars should "short and crushing" and that money is not the sinew of a successful war:*That a prince who wants to do great things has to learn to practice deceit;*That it is better for a concession to be extracted by force rather than by the threat of force;*That it is impossible for a state to remain for ever in the peaceful enjoyment of its liberties and its narrow confines...it may not molest others but it will be molested;, and,*That discord in a republic is usually due to idleness and peace and unity to fear and war.Bernard Crick's introduction and endnotes are very helpful.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who might've enjoyed books like Sun Tzu's "Art of War" or Robert Greene's "The 48 Laws of Power" or even someone who is even religious (Muslim, Christian, etc.) who might not be too afraid of understanding the perspective of a politician. I mix in religion because, perhaps to someone who subscribes to a more "pious" take on life, Machiavelli may hold a severely secular stigma. But this book may offer an alternative, if even more secular, view on the decisions made by religious/state leaders like Moses and Muhammad. As for those who also are into government conspiracy theories I'd also recommend this book- mix it with what you already think and you may come up with some more original theories of your own! ;)Machiavelli comes across as a learned observer of mankind and expresses a rare understanding of the continual state of flux of mankind. Through his studies of history and in comparing past events to "present" (circa 1500s) ones Machiavelli makes strongly supported arguments throughout the discourses. Where Robert Greene falls short in "48 Laws" I believe is Machiavelli's stronger point- applying the [quite helpful] description of the characteristics of the parties involved which helps the reader summate the outcomes [of many of the events that are described throughout his discourses] right along with the reading. "48 Laws" does this well at times but falls short of this fluidity with many of his examples which can leave a certain level of disparity between the example(s) given and the "Law" to which it applies.In summary I'd note that this is one of the few books that I wish didn't finish. I don't agree with him on every point, but I admire the proofs to his arguments on every page.

It's a political guidebook written by Machiavelli himself. Need I say more?Oh, fine, this is a review after all.It goes into the nitty gritty of why things work the way they do with all the charm and wit the man is known for.Still though, it is less flavourful than the prince, and part of his work is disproven by modern politics. But I still see value in a majority of what he says, and unspoken truths are also spoken plainly in his writing. I have learned quite a bit as a result.... But I was dissapointed.This book, although well established and valuable, is also over hyped. It is an older cookbook for a nation, not much else.

Why isn't this book mandatory reading in EVERY COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY?!? All you needed to know about politics, philosophy, psychology, and diplomacy is contained in this forgotten masterpiece. 'Written in a light style for easy reading and studying. Machiavelli was not a thinker but a politician with ALL his skin in the game at a time when to lose was not only to die but to lose everything you held dear. With commenting on Livy's history of Rome as an excuse, Machiavelli tells you of his thoughts in politics, philosophy, psychology, religion, morality, diplomacy, statesmanship and war. After you have read him you don't need to read anybody else.Machiavelli complains loudly about how people do NOT study or learn the wrong lessons. How right he is. Those who know him think of Niccolo Machiavelli as a teacher of intrigue to the power-hungry. They think that he teaches that the end justifies the means and that it is better to be feared than loved. Those who KNOW him know he loved the common people and Italy, hated tyrants and longed for peace. He teaches the grim truth of the world so by understanding it we may make it better.