Hardcore Literature Podcast Episode 73: The Prince (Machiavelli)
Host: Benjamin McEvoy
Release Date: April 25, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 73 of Hardcore Literature, host Benjamin McEvoy delves deep into Niccolò Machiavelli's seminal work, Il Principe (The Prince). Titled "The Prince (Machiavelli)", this episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the text, its historical context, enduring influence, and the moral quandaries it presents. McEvoy aims to illuminate whether The Prince serves as a straightforward guide on ruling or a satirical mirror reflecting the darker sides of power.

Machiavelli’s Background and the Genesis of The Prince

McEvoy opens by situating Machiavelli in his tumultuous Florentine environment. Released from prison and enduring excruciating torture inflicted by the Medici family, Machiavelli retreats to his farm estate. It is here that he begins writing The Prince, a concise yet profoundly influential text aimed at offering pragmatic advice on statecraft.

"At less than a hundred pages in most volumes, the book may indeed be little, but it would go on to exert a large influence." [00:00]

McEvoy posits that Machiavelli's purpose in writing was akin to a job application to the returning Medici rulers, showcasing his political acumen in hopes of reinstating his status.

The Enduring Influence of The Prince

The Prince has left an indelible mark on political thought and practice across centuries. McEvoy highlights its influence on figures like:

• Napoleon Bonaparte, who kept extensive notes on the work even after his defeat.
• American Founding Fathers such as Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and John Adams.
• Totalitarian Leaders like Joseph Stalin and Benito Mussolini.
• Mafia Leaders like John Gotti and Roy Demeo, who regarded it as their “Mafia Bible”.

Philosophers like Leo Strauss have critiqued the work as embodying great evil, leading to its ban by the Catholic Church. Conversely, thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau viewed it as an ironic satire within the Mirrors for Princes genre.

Key Themes in The Prince

Types of Principalities

McEvoy explains that The Prince begins with defining different kinds of principalities—hereditary and new.

• Hereditary Principalities: Easier to maintain as they follow established lineage and traditions.

  "Hereditary states are those passed down through a family. They're inherited, and these are the easiest to hold onto because all the ruler has to do is keep homeostasis." [Transcription early on]

• New Principalities: Challenging to secure power due to their recent acquisition, requiring strategic maneuvers.

Machiavelli’s advice is primarily directed towards rulers of new principalities, emphasizing the complexities and necessary ruthlessness in maintaining power.

Love vs. Fear

One of the most debated topics in The Prince is whether it is better for a ruler to be loved or feared. McEvoy recounts Machiavelli’s stance:

"But because it is difficult to combine them, it is far better to be feared than loved. If you cannot be both, one can make this generalization about men." [Chapter 17, ~17:00]

Machiavelli argues that while being both loved and feared is ideal, fear is more reliable as it is rooted in the dread of punishment rather than the fragile bond of gratitude that ties love. However, he warns against inciting hatred, suggesting that a prudent ruler must ensure that fear does not evolve into hatred.

Virtue and Pragmatism

Machiavelli redefines virtue (virtù) not as traditional morality but as the quality that enables a prince to maintain power through any means necessary. McEvoy notes:

"The prince of virtue is not the moral ruler, but the one who is acting out of necessity in virtue of maintaining their state." [Middle sections]

This pragmatic approach often places Machiavelli at odds with conventional ethical viewpoints, leading to widespread interpretations of his work as endorsing unscrupulousness.

Historical and Literary Examples

McEvoy enriches the discussion with historical and literary examples illustrating Machiavellian principles:

Ceasare Borgia

Borgia exemplifies the Machiavellian ruler who consolidates power through both cruelty and strategic mercy.

"Cesare Borgia wished to rid himself of his cruel reputation... he sliced de Lorca in half and stuck him on a pike for all to see." [Mid-episode]

This act exemplifies Machiavelli's assertion that a ruler must sometimes commit apparent cruelty to maintain greater power and prevent larger chaos.

Shakespeare’s Characters

Shakespeare’s portrayal of Henry V and Richard III serves as literary reflections of Machiavellian tactics.

• Henry V: Demonstrates the balance of being loved and feared, inspiring loyalty and high morale among his troops.

  "He goes on to say that he does not doubt that the men will display their valour in the field..." [About Henry V’s leadership]

• Iago from Othello: Represents the Machiavellian villain, embodying deceit and manipulation.

  "I am not what I am." [Iago’s declaration]

McEvoy connects these characters to Machiavelli’s lessons on power, appearance, and manipulation.

Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon's strategies echo Machiavellian principles, particularly his ability to inspire immense loyalty while maintaining an iron grip on power.

"Napoleon was seen as a channel for the people's desire and what some people believed were the ideals of the Revolution." [Napoleon’s leadership]

Leadership Strategies from The Prince

Appearing Virtuous While Acting Ruthlessly

Machiavelli advises rulers to maintain an image of compassion, integrity, and religious belief, even when acting against these virtues.

"They must always appear to have the following five: compassion, good faith, integrity, kindness, and religious belief." [Chapter 18, ~18:00]

This duality allows rulers to gain trust while ruthlessly eliminating threats, ensuring stability without incurring widespread hatred.

Imitating the Fox and the Lion

A pivotal metaphor Machiavelli employs is the need for a ruler to embody both the cunning of a fox and the strength of a lion.

"He'd say that a man can fight like a man, using the law when he can, when possible. But sometimes one must make use of the beastly part of ourselves." [Chapter 18, ~18:30]

This dual imagery underscores the necessity of adaptability and strategic deception alongside decisive power.

Building a Strong State on Good Arms and Laws

Machiavelli emphasizes the foundational role of military strength and sound legislation in maintaining and securing power.

"The main foundations of every state, he says, are good laws and good arms." [Chapter 12, ~12:00]

McEvoy relates this to the importance of continuous military preparedness and fortification of state institutions.

Avoiding Flattery and Embracing Competence

Rulers must surround themselves with competent advisors who provide honest feedback, shunning sycophants who may undermine their authority.

"Surround yourself with competent men and intelligent men… punishing flattery and falsehoods." [Court management strategies]

This approach ensures informed decision-making and reduces the risk of internal conspiracies.

Modern Applications and Personal Reflections

McEvoy bridges Machiavellian philosophy with contemporary life, suggesting that individuals can apply these principles beyond statecraft.

• Self-Preparation: Emphasizing continuous learning and preparedness as a means to navigate personal and professional challenges.

  "Build yourself up, commit to excellence, surround yourself with excellence, and make those in your care better, not worse." [Modern application]

• Balancing Virtue and Pragmatism: Encouraging listeners to strive for respect and love while maintaining the capacity to make tough decisions when necessary.

"Il Principe ends with Machiavelli imploring the state to rouse a citizen army, to fortify themselves, to unite the people and to prepare for hardship to come..." [Personal takeaway]

McEvoy shares his own disagreements, particularly with the notion of appearing virtuous without being genuinely so, advocating instead for authentic integrity intertwined with strategic strength.

Conclusion

McEvoy concludes by acknowledging the complexity and enduring relevance of Machiavelli's The Prince. While recognizing its controversial stance on power and morality, he urges listeners to engage critically with the text, drawing lessons on leadership, resilience, and strategic thinking.

"Hardcore Literature implores you to build your strength, courage, fortitude of mind and inner resolve… fortune will fling troubles in our path, but our prowess will be what helps us to overcome them." [Final thoughts]

He invites listeners to further explore these ideas through the Hardcore Literature Book Club, fostering a community of deep readers engaging with classic and modern works alike.

Notable Quotes from the Episode

1. On The Prince’s Influence
   "At less than a hundred pages in most volumes, the book may indeed be little, but it would go on to exert a large influence." [00:00]

2. On Love vs. Fear
   "But because it is difficult to combine them, it is far better to be feared than loved. If you cannot be both, one can make this generalization about men." [17:00]

3. On Virtue Redefined
   "The prince of virtue is not the moral ruler, but the one who is acting out of necessity in virtue of maintaining their state." [Middle sections]

4. On Adapting Leadership Qualities
   "He'd say that a man can fight like a man, using the law when he can, when possible. But sometimes one must make use of the beastly part of ourselves." [18:30]

5. On Avoiding Hatred
   "Avoiding contempt or hatred at all costs." [Summary of the episode’s key rules]

Join the Conversation:
To further engage with these insights and join discussions on The Prince and other literary masterpieces, visit the Hardcore Literature Book Club at patreon.com/hardcoreliterature. Gain access to a rich archive of lectures, read-throughs, and in-depth analyses of works by Shakespeare, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and many more.

Happy reading and listening!