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Current Relevance of Machiavelli’s “The Prince”
The works of literature relate to two main elements of context, time and place. The two elements dictate the significance of the text in a literary work. The significance of any work of literature can however be relevant over time depending on the content and its relation to the changes in the setting. For relevance in literature, time and place of some literary works change with the changes in the society. To explore this concept, this paper will analyze Niccollo Machiavelli’s “The Prince” with a view of placing the book in today’s context. As a result, the analysis will determine whether the text is limited to its setting of time and place or its significance is useful in the current time.
The text is not limited by the particular time and place when it was written. Instead, the text spans its significance over a wide period of time as well as place. This is because the text is based on some ideals that are relevant in the current world, just as it was relevant in 1527 when it was written and published in 1532. The main ideology of the book focuses on the humanist ideals of the time during the Renaissance. For instance, in the book, Machiavelli is more comfortable with citizen militia instead of an army or mercenaries. These ideals are relevant in the current world where countries base their trust in armies or military power instead of humanism and democracy.
The book focuses on giving different perspectives regarding the European politics at a time when many countries did not have solid states. For instance, Italy was a compilation of cities seeking power over each other rather than a republic. In the current day, many the political set up is different all over the world, but the principles in Machiavelli’s book are applicable. They are applicable because countries are struggling to gain power over others, but on the economic scene. In current times, economic dominance has replaced the political power that countries struggled for during Machiavelli’s time.
As Machiavelli strove to give practical and simple advice to Lorenzo De’Medici, the dedication for the book, he also gives the modern world relevant ideas. One of the main teachings that relate to modern day and will ever be relevant to humanity is the essence and role of leadership. According to Machiavelli’s believe, the importance of a strong leader dominating the country is not for his individual advancement, but for the benefit of the citizens of the country (Machiavelli 42). Based on this advice, the evaluation of the current world proves situations that the principle is violated. Therefore, the book directly relates to issues affecting the society and governments worldwide.
Moreover, Machiavelli’s message to the rulers in relation to the subject is as relevant to the current world as it was in the 16th century. He advises leaders to maintain a positive public opinion in order to achieve goals by gaining the support of the people (Machiavelli 36). This ideal was against the violent and volatile political methods used at the time to capture and maintain power. With the same volatile political schemes being used today, the book gets its significance in the events of the current world. As a result, the text is useful in the current time, place and context just as it was in the time of its writing.
Work Cited
Machiavelli, Niccolò. The Prince, London: Randy Dillon, 2009