![]() ![]() ![]() We must reject Machiavelli, not accept him, in order to conquer the distrust of contemporary political life.Ī recent article published in American Mind, “The Return of Fortuna,” is just one example of a growing trend intended to make politics more Machiavellian. 1 The greater disturbance is the teaching’s place as a moral and political good, not just as an expedient. Throughout the modern era, effectual truth has been commonplace in practice and an assumption of political life. While Machiavelli deserves much criticism, this essay will focus on the teaching of effectual truth and the way it is wielded by those with virtú, Machiavelli’s corrupted and narrow sense of virtuous manliness. Strange as it may seem, the gross mischaracterization of his work as encouraging cunning and opportunism does not paint Machiavelli as poorly as a proper assessment does. ![]() Yet few, if any, historical thinkers have rivaled the evil he has taught and harm he has perpetuated. His most famous work, The Prince, is perhaps the most widely read treatise in the history of political thought. Niccolò Machiavelli is experiencing a resurgence in popular culture as the subject of several opinion pieces alongside his continued presence in political theory courses. ![]()
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