How Well Do You Know 'Discourses on Livy' by Machiavelli?

"Discourses on Livy" was written in the early 16th century and published posthumously with papal privilege in 1531. This temporal context is crucial for understanding the historical placement of Machiavelli's work. The early 16th century marked a significant period of intellectual and political ferment, and the posthumous publication in 1531 adds a layer of complexity, indicating the challenges and controversies associated with Machiavelli's ideas during his lifetime and beyond.

In Book 3 Chapter 9, Machiavelli emphasizes that to have good fortune, one must match the time with their mode, adapting and changing strategies according to the circumstances and nature's forces. This underscores Machiavelli's pragmatism, advocating for flexibility and adaptability as essential qualities for political success. The emphasis on aligning one's actions with the prevailing circumstances reflects Machiavelli's nuanced understanding of the role of timing in political maneuvering.

Machiavelli frequently describes political greatness as something that comes and goes among peoples in cycles. This cyclical view reflects his historical perspective and acknowledgment of the rise and fall of civilizations. By characterizing political greatness as dynamic and evolving, Machiavelli emphasizes the impermanence of power and the need for adaptability in political strategies. It also suggests a cautionary tone, urging leaders to recognize the changing nature of political influence.

In the preface to Book I, Machiavelli mentions bringing new modes and orders for the common benefit of humanity. Despite acknowledging the potential danger of facing envy from others, he expresses a noble intent to contribute to the collective well-being. Machiavelli positions himself as a thinker willing to take risks to introduce innovative ideas, emphasizing the importance of intellectual courage in challenging conventional wisdom for the greater good.

Machiavelli asserts in Book 3 Chapter 13 that a good captain who has time to instruct and arm men is more trustworthy than an insolent army with a head made tumultuously. This insight reflects Machiavelli's emphasis on leadership qualities, asserting that a skilled and strategic captain can compensate for the weaknesses of a less disciplined army. It reinforces the importance of effective leadership in military endeavors and the value of disciplined instruction.

Machiavelli notes that Rome's actions, as recounted by Livy, proceeded either by "public counsel" or by "private counsel," and they concerned either things inside the city or things outside the city, yielding four possible combinations. This distinction sets the stage for Machiavelli's analysis of different types of political decision-making and the various considerations that influence a state's actions. It reflects his nuanced understanding of the complexity of governance in both internal and external affairs.

Machiavelli states that those who are successful in establishing absolutist regimes attack the nobles by appealing to the people, then oppress the people once their enemies are eliminated. This observation encapsulates Machiavelli's realpolitik perspective, highlighting the manipulative strategies employed by leaders to consolidate power. It reveals the dual nature of political maneuvering, where populist appeals serve as a means to an end, ultimately leading to the suppression of opposition for the sake of regime stability.

Machiavelli dedicates the Discourses to two friends, Zanobi Buondelmonti and Cosimo Rucellai, both of whom appear in Machiavelli's Art of War. The dedication reflects Machiavelli's acknowledgment of the importance of friendship and intellectual exchange in the Renaissance context. By honoring his friends, Machiavelli establishes a personal connection, expressing gratitude for their influence on his thoughts and work.

"Discourses on Livy" comprises three books with 142 numbered chapters. This organizational structure allows Machiavelli to systematically delve into the complexities of Livy's history and present his thoughts on republican government. Each chapter serves as a building block, contributing to the overall narrative and creating a comprehensive exploration of political philosophy, virtue, and governance. The numerical symmetry with Livy's history adds a layer of thematic connection and significance to Machiavelli's work.

In Book I, Machiavelli considers Rome's type of government to be a republic that combines elements of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy. This distinctive blend allows Machiavelli to explore the strengths and weaknesses of different political systems, highlighting the complexities of governance. By characterizing Rome as a unique republic, Machiavelli sets the stage for his analysis of how these diverse elements interacted to shape the political landscape of ancient Rome and the potential implications for contemporary states.

Machiavelli conveys that having a dictatorial authority is beneficial for a republic because it allows for quick decisions in times of crisis, ensuring efficient governance that a republic may struggle to achieve collectively. This perspective reflects Machiavelli's pragmatic approach to governance, where he acknowledges the utility of concentrated authority in certain situations. It highlights his consideration of the practical challenges faced by republics and the need for decisive leadership during emergencies.

Machiavelli argues that to sustain a republic in a newly freed city, it is necessary to "Kill the sons of Brutus," meaning that making violent examples out of the enemies of the free regime is crucial for the republic's stability. This provocative assertion underscores Machiavelli's realpolitik approach, where the use of force and the elimination of potential threats are seen as necessary measures to secure the longevity of a newly established republic.

Machiavelli speaks on corruption in Book 2, stating that corruption is hard to sustain in a republic, especially one that has recently been freed from monarchy. This observation reveals Machiavelli's nuanced understanding of corruption dynamics in different political contexts. His perspective highlights the challenges of maintaining ethical governance and the potential vulnerabilities that arise when transitioning from one form of government to another. It adds depth to his exploration of political virtue and the pitfalls of corruption within republics.

Machiavelli ranks rulers most praiseworthy based first on those who lead due to religion and then those who create a republic or kingdom. This reveals Machiavelli's emphasis on the role of ethical leadership and the establishment of stable political structures. Leaders who prioritize religious virtues or contribute to the formation of enduring political entities are deemed more commendable in Machiavelli's perspective, aligning with his broader themes on effective governance.

The subject of the first ten books of Livy's "Ab urbe condita" is the expansion of Rome through the end of the Third Samnite War in 293 BC. Machiavelli chooses this historical context to explore themes of power, governance, and virtue, drawing parallels between ancient Rome and his contemporary political landscape. By delving into Livy's narrative, Machiavelli extracts valuable lessons that resonate with his views on republicanism and leadership.