Machiavelli

Why does Machiavelli praise skill in warfare in his opening pages? How does that skill aid a prince?

Niccolo Machiavelli was a man who centered his life on his civil work. The highs and lows of government affected his prosperity, so as you could imagine, who was leading the country where he lived, was very important to him. He had strong points of view on how he believed things should be run when you are leading others. This strong point of view of course led to strict guidelines he came up with in “The Qualities of the Prince.” He had what seems to be a harsh view on war and personality that a prince should possess. He prioritized war as being most important.

In the first few pages of the excerpt he writes that a prince should basically only have war on his mind in order to succeed each time he faces obstacles in the field. Succeeding and failing are close together. The difference of outcomes could be as simple as not preparing extensively before hand. Machiavelli puts such emphasis on always preparing for war that he claims his strategy will work. “He must, therefore, never raise his thought from this exercise of war, and in peacetime he must train himself more than in time of war; this can be done in two ways: one by action, the other by mind. And as far as actions are concerned, besides keeping his soldiers well disciplined and trained, he must always be out hunting and must accustom his body to hardships in this manner; and he must also learn the nature of the terrain, and know how mountains slope, how valleys open, how plains lie, and understand the nature of rivers and swamps; and he should devote much attention to such activities (Machiavelli 38).” By studying even when there is not elevated alert should put you above everyone else in terms of skill and victory.

This skill aids a prince by allowing him to have the advantages in times of war. If victories come far more often than losses, followers will support him. They will feel safe under his care and be confident that he is studying and devoting his time and life to them, in order to assure that they win instead of losing their lives or family’s lives. The skill in war increases devotion among followers and could even sway the opinions of those who may not like the prince or support him. By the explanation of how princes’ should act when in war or peace, Machiavelli believes this will help be more productive and successful. With this, the country will prosper.

Machiavelli, Niccolo. “The Qualities of the Prince.” A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7^th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006. pp35-51.