Machiavelli's Prince

≽ Machiavelli's Five Principles

     Within Machiavelli's The Prince, he emphasizes five principles that he feels are integral for one to call themselves a successful "Prince". 

These five principles are as follows:

• One should be feared not loved, if one cannot attain both; this is in order to prevent revolt.
• One should have the support of the people, as it is difficult to take action without their support.
• One should hold good virtues, or at least appear to hold them.
• Auxiliary or mercenary units should never be turned to, as one should always rely on their own arms.
• Be intelligent.

     Many of these reflections seem quite obvious, but for their time, some were controversial. I agree with most of the principles Machiavelli proposes, but there are a few that I disagree with or tend to feel that they should be altered, as current affairs often blur the lines between what is correct in these regards.

   
     The principle I feel need revisions is the need for fear over love. Regarding this need for fear from your people, over love from them, it seems this principle may be counter intuitive. Machiavelli says this need is to avoid revolt, but wouldn't the unanimous love from your people put the notion of revolt to rest in the first place? The force or hostility you would need to use, most likely against your own people, could potentially generate a thought of revolt among your people. When people are pushed too far, they will push back; it is only a matter of time. 

≽ Machiavellian Leaders

     The leader that most resembles the Machiavellian principles that comes to mind, in regards to more recent history, is Adolf Hitler. With the disarray and frailty of the German government and people after their fall from the loss of World War 1 created Hitler's most opportune time to gain and control political power. Hitler, already showing signs of the Machiavellian principles of "intelligence" and "holding good virtues", begins to promise to the German people a dissolution of the Treaty of Versailles, a bolstering of economic stature, and the securing of more jobs. As Hitler knew that these were the issues holding such a grasp over the misery of the German people, he knew he could exploit them for his own, to use them in such a way for him to begin to be recognized. 

   
     From here, Hitler and his party were able to secure a strong enough footing to be in a position in which they could vote forwarded the "Enabling Act". This gave their party and its interests nearly unchecked power over enacting laws without consent or in regards to the constitution. After the creation of this Act is when Hitler's true claim to becoming a "Machiavellian Leader" took place. Hitler began the rebuilding of the German army with a deep ferocity. As Hitler had nearly every Industrial leader within his party, they began the building of this impressive war machine without hesitation. But to create a tank, you need workers, and to build an army, you need people. The reconstruction of the German army in conjunction with the Enabling Act paved the way for Hitler to then complete the three other Machiavellian principles.

   
     The newly found war effort opened working positions that seemed unending as an army of such a projected size must be fit with enough tanks, planes, and ships to supplement its infantry. This growing workforce not only solidified the economic standing of the German people, but also seemingly fulfilled Hitler's promise on the creation of jobs. Immediately we see the people begin to love Hitler, and in combination with his profound oratory skills, many even begin to adore him. As the German people begin to see the size of the Hitler's Wehrmacht and its rapid expansion due to their contribution, a national sense of pride floods through Germany. From here, Hitler has no need for fear over his people, as the dealings he wants done are completed through his Secret Police, or the infatuation from his people would more than likely have them turning against any who dare to revolt, rather than join one.

≽ Personal Principles of Leadership

     Although I agree with most of the principles that Machiavelli suggests for an ideal leader, I have five more that I believe would be fitting additions:

• Remember and respect history. Not only could numerous injustices be prevented from not repeating tragic events, but even enemies can be defeated from studying their tendencies from past wars.
• Understand your people, and know that you are one of them. The need for love and support from your people would be much easier to attain when they see you as a part of them. They will believe you to be proactive with their concerns, and will be open to your suggestions.
• Look inward in regards to your country, before you look outward. Creating a foundation within your own country that is strong enough, both through its military and economy, to support itself and its people will allow you to begin to expand your grasp at an already advantageous position. Expansion without preservation will only ever fail.
• No one is your friend, only your acquaintance. The moment that you believe your advisers or your next in power to only have your best interests as their concern, is the moment you give them opportunity to exploit you. Although I believe you should take their word into consideration regarding decisions, never stop being critical of their words when it comes to your personal judgement.
• Never make promises. Promises are wooden pillars among those of stone. When the people finally feel a promise was broken, it is the pillar they will burn in order to being you to the ground. The more your power is built upon wooden pillars, the faster you will crumble.

     Putting into words and remarks about what makes an ideal leader is at best a clever mind game, as truly creating an ideal leader from principles alone is futile. Leading a nation or commanding an army has numerous occurrences of situations that may require a more neutral approach in contrast to what may be considered the "correct" action to take. Nevertheless, Machiavelli's The Prince is an integral work within leadership as we know it today.