Discourses on the First Ten Books of Livy
Quick Summary
Discourses on Livy is a work by Niccolò Machiavelli, written around the same time as The Prince (1513) but published posthumously in 1531. While The Prince focuses on autocratic rule, the Discourses is a longer, more complex analysis of republican government.1
Machiavelli examines the history of ancient Rome, arguing that the internal conflicts and tumults of the Roman Republic were crucial to its freedom and greatness. He contrasts the strength of the ancients with the perceived weakness of modern times, which he attributes in part to Christianity.1
The work emphasizes the importance of civic virtue and self-sacrifice for the common good. Machiavelli suggests that even leaders who are morally flawed can be effective in republics if their actions lead to positive outcomes for the state. He also critiques the Roman Catholic Church and Christianity for contributing to Italy's disunity and weakening its people.1
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humanismMachiavelliâs realismâŚpublic and private writingsâespecially the Discorsi sopra la prima deca di Tito Livio (1531; Discourses on the First Ten Books of Titus Livy)âhe showed a marked preference for republican government, but in The Prince (1532) he developed, with apparent approval, a model of radical autocracy. For this reason, his goalsâŚ
Read MoreâŚpublic and private writingsâespecially the Discorsi sopra la prima deca di Tito Livio (1531; Discourses on the First Ten Books of Titus Livy)âhe showed a marked preference for republican government, but in The Prince (1532) he developed, with apparent approval, a model of radical autocracy. For this reason, his goalsâŚ
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Italian literaturePolitical, historical, biographical, and moral literature1513â21; Discourse on the First Ten Books of Titus Livius), showed the same realistic attitude: public utility was placed above all other considerations, and political virtue was distinguished from moral virtue. His seven books on Dellâarte della guerra (1521; The Art of War), concerning the creationâŚ
Read More1513â21; Discourse on the First Ten Books of Titus Livius), showed the same realistic attitude: public utility was placed above all other considerations, and political virtue was distinguished from moral virtue. His seven books on Dellâarte della guerra (1521; The Art of War), concerning the creationâŚ
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history of EuropeRenaissance thoughtBut in the Discourses on the First Ten Books of Livy (1517), a more detached and extended discussion, he analyzed the foundations and practice of republican government, still trying to explain how stubborn and defective human material was transformed into political community.
Read MoreBut in the Discourses on the First Ten Books of Livy (1517), a more detached and extended discussion, he analyzed the foundations and practice of republican government, still trying to explain how stubborn and defective human material was transformed into political community.
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Western philosophyPolitical philosophyHis The Prince and Discourses on the First Ten Books of Livy (both published posthumously) codified the actual practices of Renaissance diplomacy for the next 100 years. In fact, Machiavelli was motivated by patriotic hopes for the ultimate unification of Italy and by the conviction that the moral standardsâŚ
Read MoreHis The Prince and Discourses on the First Ten Books of Livy (both published posthumously) codified the actual practices of Renaissance diplomacy for the next 100 years. In fact, Machiavelli was motivated by patriotic hopes for the ultimate unification of Italy and by the conviction that the moral standardsâŚ
Read More