Unlike Socrates, Plato, Aquinas and St. Augustine, Machiavelli seems to be playing the bad cop here. Machiavelli's book “The Prince” is a good read because it lets us see the idea of a 'perfect' ruler in both points of view: the good and the bad.
When you think about it, Machiavelli's ideas really do make sense, they are practical and logical, but the only thing is that it cannot be applied to every state in general and it is 'bad'. He thinks that this prince who has these qualities knows how to be not good, a good feigner and dissembler, one more likely to be feared than loved.
If everybody in a community is good, then be good, but what if you're the only one being good and you totally know that it may cost you your life, will you still live up to your kindness and be ready to die? Maybe for some, it is possible. This may be really rude to hear but people can err. So it's like a pratical way to also learn and be 'bad' if it is necessary.
I'm now wondering, if all these thinkers that I mentioned had the opportunity to be together and discuss their ideas, what should the outcome be? Most especially St Augustine and Aquinas as opposed to Machiavelli. Chaotic, isn't it?
When you think about it, Machiavelli's ideas really do make sense, they are practical and logical, but the only thing is that it cannot be applied to every state in general and it is 'bad'. He thinks that this prince who has these qualities knows how to be not good, a good feigner and dissembler, one more likely to be feared than loved.
If everybody in a community is good, then be good, but what if you're the only one being good and you totally know that it may cost you your life, will you still live up to your kindness and be ready to die? Maybe for some, it is possible. This may be really rude to hear but people can err. So it's like a pratical way to also learn and be 'bad' if it is necessary.
I'm now wondering, if all these thinkers that I mentioned had the opportunity to be together and discuss their ideas, what should the outcome be? Most especially St Augustine and Aquinas as opposed to Machiavelli. Chaotic, isn't it?
i think we just need to balance between the two. thats always why there is complement. Pearl Whitfield
ReplyDeleteIt is only normal for people to hate the "bad" leaders or the iron fist leaders. It is only after they reaped the fruits of a tough leader will they realized that it is for everyone's good.
ReplyDeleteClarence Mendez
Well I imagine it to be pretty interesting don't you think? Chaotic but definitely interesting. Who is the last standing thinker? Now I wonder.
ReplyDeleteCamille Espinoza
Chaotic. But that's the beauty of human minds working together. You can come up with ideas you never imagined.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great book! Reaad it lots of times and still continue to apply it to my daily life.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure that they would end up screaming at each other since their points of view cash with one another.
ReplyDelete