Virtu essays

Virtu essays In Machiavellis The Prince, in order to be a successful ruler, a statesman must possess virtà ¹. The Machiavellian principle of virtà ¹ begins with the idea that a ruler must be prudent and cautious, and in times of peace he may be non-violent. Yet, if the situation calls for it, he needs to take bold, decisive action, at any cost. It can be appropriate to lie and make false promises, as well as to act in a manner that seems violent and ruthless. The essential need for political order is to be sacrificed for no reason, moral or immoral. Instead, political decisions are to be based on the means by which to retain political power, and the political practicality of those results. Machiavelli feels that the world is comprised of unpredictable forces that are working against each other, and a leader needs to create an order out of these forces. He believes that by nature human beings are more inclined toward evil than good, and so it is impossible to do what is only morally right. If a ruler tries to proceed in this fashion, he is bound for failure because of the impossibility of adjusting continuously to the ever-changing circumstances. A ruler only has to reflect the human nature of a state, to know how to act. In order for a ruler to exemplify the meaning of virtà ¹ he must be committed to doing what need be. He must realize that a ruler is only as strong as the foundation on which he builds his political power. It is of the utmost importance to realize that even if at a present time things are peaceful, situations change repeatedly. Fate and fortune can be the ruin of a ruler. Yet, if a ruler uses judgment and is prepared at all times for whatever circumstances may occur, fate and fortune can be controlled. War is to never be avoided, regardless of its justness/injust ness; avoidance only weakens ones position. A war is to be won by force or fraud, whatever means necessary. A ruler also needs...