Summary of John P. McCormick's Reading Machiavelli

By IRB Media

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#1 Machiavelli’s use of Borgia is a puzzle for interpreters of The Prince. Those who denounced the scandalous quality of Machiavelli’s book argued that the laudatory presentation of Borgia proved that he cared little for piety, morality, good government, or basic decency.

#2 Machiavelli argues that the people are the greatest authority in a state, and he believes that they should be the ones who decide who holds power. He associates himself with Cesare Borgia, who was called Duke Valentino by the people, and with the common people as a class.

#3 The people are fascinated by appearances and outcomes, but since in the world abide none but the vulgar, appearances and outcomes may be all that count in the end. While this may be taken as a criticism of the people’s shallowness, it actually affirms their validity.

#4 The Italian tradition, represented by Dante, recognizes the Roman Caesars as the heirs of Alexander. The question of whether Cesare Borgia is capable of maintaining and building upon the foundations he inherits from his Alexander is central to The Prince.

• Language: English
• Publisher: IRB Media
• Release date: May 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9798822501942

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Insights on John P. McCormick's Reading Machiavelli

Contents

Insights from Chapter 1

Insights from Chapter 2

Insights from Chapter 1

#1

Machiavelli’s use of Borgia is a puzzle for interpreters of The Prince. Those who denounced the scandalous quality of Machiavelli’s book argued that the laudatory presentation of Borgia proved that he cared little for piety, morality, good government, or basic decency.

#2

Machiavelli argues that the people are the greatest authority in a state, and he believes that they should be the ones who decide who holds power. He associates himself with Cesare Borgia, who was called Duke Valentino by the people, and with the common people as a class.

#3

The people are fascinated by appearances and outcomes, but since in the world abide none but the vulgar, appearances and outcomes may be all that count in the end. While this may be taken as a criticism of the people’s shallowness, it actually affirms their validity.

#4

The Italian tradition, represented by Dante, recognizes the Roman Caesars as the heirs of Alexander. The question of whether Cesare Borgia is capable of maintaining and building upon the foundations he inherits from his Alexander is central to The Prince.

#5

The Pope and the duke trick the French into helping them take the Romagna, and then they place Cesare in charge there. Cesare recognizes that the troops he inherited are unreliable, and he bribes or corrupts most of the lords who provide him arms.

#6

Cesare begins to fear that his cruel and effective minister, Remirro d’Orco, will become hated by the people he has brought peace and order to. However, he leaves it unclear whether Cesare fears that such hatred will be directed toward him or his minister.

#7

The people of Cesena found Remirro in two pieces, with a bloody knife and a piece of wood beside him. He had been executed for his cruelty, and his actions had stupefied the people. His cruelty was more Christian than the Florence’s charity, which allowed the disorders in Pistoia to continue.

#8

The holiday of Christmas, which is celebrated on December