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Literary
November 3, 1800
The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser
Washington, District Of Columbia
What is this article about?
Excerpt from Machiavelli's Discourses arguing that republics foster more brave and virtuous citizens than monarchies, where virtue is suspected. Compares mixed and popular governments, highlights people's constancy, wisdom, and judgment over princes, with the example of Themistocles' rejected advice to betray allies.
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OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
From Machiavelli's Discourses AL 72 n- eS,
Republics furnish the world with a greater number of brave and excellent characters than kingdoms: the reason is, that in republics virtue is honoured and is promoted, in monarchies and kingdoms it often incurs suspicion.
If a comparison be made between a mixed government, circumscribed and bounded by laws, and a popular government under the same ties, the people will be found more virtuous than the princes; if between loose and dissolute governments of each kind, the errors on the side of the people will be less important, less numerous, and more capable of redress. In popular tumults, a citizen may interpose, and by fair remonstrance recall the people to reason, but with an enraged prince who shall interfere? or what remedy is there but violence and the sword.
Among commonwealths there are greater constancy and firmer friendship, than among princes. When leagues and confederacies are to be broken upon the mere prospect of self-interest, commonwealths are religious & severe, and examples may readily be brought where a small gain has tempted a prince, when a great one could not move a republic. In a speech to the Athenians, Themistocles informed them, that he had one thing to advise which would be infinitely to their advantage, but which he could not communicate in public, because to publish would be to defeat its execution. The people deputed Aristides to receive and act in it as he should think proper. Themistocles informed him, that the whole Grecian fleet (but under the Athenian passport and parole) were in a place where they might easily be taken or destroyed, which would render the Athenians masters of the sea. Aristides reported to the people that the counsel of Themistocles was advantageous but would be a dishonour to the state; whereupon it was unanimously rejected.
Had the same occasion been offered to Philip of Macedon, or other princes, they would have been less scrupulous; for princes are habituated to get more by breach of faith than by all their other projects.
In wisdom, steadiness, and judgment, the people have greatly the advantage of princes. By some occult and singular quality they frequently foresee the most astonishing events. For this reason the voice of the people is compared to the voice of God. And in judging respecting matters that are doubtful you shall seldom find them mistaken.
Let two orators, equally eloquent, discuss a subject before them, pro and con, they will be sure to take the most rational side: a proof that they are no less capable of truth than other orders of men.
Republics furnish the world with a greater number of brave and excellent characters than kingdoms: the reason is, that in republics virtue is honoured and is promoted, in monarchies and kingdoms it often incurs suspicion.
If a comparison be made between a mixed government, circumscribed and bounded by laws, and a popular government under the same ties, the people will be found more virtuous than the princes; if between loose and dissolute governments of each kind, the errors on the side of the people will be less important, less numerous, and more capable of redress. In popular tumults, a citizen may interpose, and by fair remonstrance recall the people to reason, but with an enraged prince who shall interfere? or what remedy is there but violence and the sword.
Among commonwealths there are greater constancy and firmer friendship, than among princes. When leagues and confederacies are to be broken upon the mere prospect of self-interest, commonwealths are religious & severe, and examples may readily be brought where a small gain has tempted a prince, when a great one could not move a republic. In a speech to the Athenians, Themistocles informed them, that he had one thing to advise which would be infinitely to their advantage, but which he could not communicate in public, because to publish would be to defeat its execution. The people deputed Aristides to receive and act in it as he should think proper. Themistocles informed him, that the whole Grecian fleet (but under the Athenian passport and parole) were in a place where they might easily be taken or destroyed, which would render the Athenians masters of the sea. Aristides reported to the people that the counsel of Themistocles was advantageous but would be a dishonour to the state; whereupon it was unanimously rejected.
Had the same occasion been offered to Philip of Macedon, or other princes, they would have been less scrupulous; for princes are habituated to get more by breach of faith than by all their other projects.
In wisdom, steadiness, and judgment, the people have greatly the advantage of princes. By some occult and singular quality they frequently foresee the most astonishing events. For this reason the voice of the people is compared to the voice of God. And in judging respecting matters that are doubtful you shall seldom find them mistaken.
Let two orators, equally eloquent, discuss a subject before them, pro and con, they will be sure to take the most rational side: a proof that they are no less capable of truth than other orders of men.
What sub-type of article is it?
Essay
Dialogue
What themes does it cover?
Political
Liberty Freedom
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Republics
Monarchies
Virtue
Political Government
People Vs Princes
Themistocles
Aristides
What entities or persons were involved?
Machiavelli
Literary Details
Title
From Machiavelli's Discourses Al 72 N Es
Author
Machiavelli
Subject
Comparison Of Republics And Monarchies
Key Lines
Republics Furnish The World With A Greater Number Of Brave And Excellent Characters Than Kingdoms: The Reason Is, That In Republics Virtue Is Honoured And Is Promoted, In Monarchies And Kingdoms It Often Incurs Suspicion.
In Wisdom, Steadiness, And Judgment, The People Have Greatly The Advantage Of Princes.
For This Reason The Voice Of The People Is Compared To The Voice Of God.
Let Two Orators, Equally Eloquent, Discuss A Subject Before Them, Pro And Con, They Will Be Sure To Take The Most Rational Side: A Proof That They Are No Less Capable Of Truth Than Other Orders Of Men.