UC Microeconomics Spring 2018 discussion

“The Prince” written by Niccolò Machiavelli dives into the process of rule and order when taking control over a state or principality. He formally goes into the concerns when replacing a previous ruler in which their can be one of many ways to then rule. One way, requiring that there is no language barrier and the prince leaves the community unchanged making the citizens not revolt. While another primary way was if there is a language barrier the prince should strike fear in the community and eliminate any threats who could revolt against him. Further, Machiavelli states there are two important objects to have when ruling and that is good laws and good armies. The apparent problem is that both rely on each other to operate effectively. Machiavelli also explains it is a greater benefit for the prince to command his own army than send the work to mercianiers, simply because mercenaries cannot be trusted and are strictly focused on monetary gains. To keep the community connected the prince is asked to act like a fox and a lion. Learn to scare off predators and recognize the traps. To keep his community satisfied with his rule and to keep foreign powers away from invading. Strategies arise in the next few chapters, discussing the ability for rulers to split up empires, try to convince disloyal subjects or to try and build a fortress to maintain the prince’s power to rule. While finishing the novel I started to believe the greater theme of this novel was to inform rulers the basic do’s and don’t of ruling complied with lists of examples and reasons why certain actions should be acted upon while others can lead to certain trouble.

I think the take away from this novel is that as somone who has power or influence you need to be able to see all the effects, good or bad, present or future outcomes of your decisions. Be able to weigh your options and choose the right stratigy the brings the best benifit