Quiz 2: Machiavelli, Gracian
1. What does it mean today when we call someone “Machiavellian”? Is this an appropriate usage of Machiavelli’s name and reputation? Why or why not?
To be Machiavellian is “characterized by subtle or unscrupulous cunning, deception, expediency, or dishonesty: He resorted to Machiavellian tactics in order to get ahead.”
I believe that this does not fully represent what Machiavelli was all about.
He was deceptive and cunning but only because his circumstances provoked him to be this way. Being a Prince is not an easy task, but I believe he was bluntly honest in describing all that goes with being in a position of power, especially when referring to royalty.
2. What concerns in The Prince reflect contemporary politics and world affairs? Choose one such specific situation and explain whether Machiavelli would approve or disapprove of the way leaders are handling it.
I believe it does, but I think certain leaders have lost the meaning that Machiavelli was trying to get across. I think he would have a lot to say about how we are handling the border control in the United States and would probably laugh at the way our government in handling it.
3. What was Machiavelli’s purpose in writing The Prince? Can his text be applied to the art of living the life of the individual, or is it only applicable to leadership? Why?
I believe his purpose was to make sure that all princes and future leaders know and understand what it going to be expected of them whenever they are put into power. He wants them to know the sacrifices and be able to act nobly in situations that demand a leader and enforcer.
-
Name two pieces of advice from Gracian that echo the ideas of the Stoics.
Knowledge and Courage are the elements of Greatness. They give immortality, because they are immortal. Each is as much as he knows, and the wise can do anything. A man without knowledge, a world without light. Wisdom and strength, eyes and hands. Knowledge without courage is sterile.
This piece of advice is very stoic and almost echoes the words of Epictetus himself.
Character and Intellect the two poles of our capacity; one without the other is but halfway to happiness. Intellect sufficeth not, character is also needed. On the other hand, it is the fool’s misfortune, to fail in obtaining the position, the employment, the neighbourhood, and the circle of friends that suit him.
Also very stoic, choose what you want and take responsibility for what you get.
5. Name two pieces of advice from Gracian that contradict the ideas of the Stoics.
Act sometimes on Second Thoughts, sometimes on First Impulse.Man’s life is a warfare against the malice ofmen. Sagacity fights with strategic changes of intention: it never does what it threatens, it aims only at escaping notice. It aims in the air with dexterity and strikes home in an unexpected direction, always seeking to conceal its game. It lets a purpose appear in order to attract the opponent’s attention, but then turns round and conquers by the unexpected. But a penetrating intelligence anticipates this by watchfulness and lurks in ambush. It always understands the opposite of what the opponent wishes it to understand, and recognises every feint of guile. It lets the first impulse pass by and waits for the second, or even the third. Sagacity now rises to higher flights on seeing its artifice foreseen, and tries to deceive by truth itself, changes its game in order to change its deceit, and cheats by not cheating, and founds deception on the greatest candour. But the opposing intelligence is on guard with increased watchfulness, and discovers the darkness concealed by the light and deciphers every move, the more subtle because more simple. In this way the guile of the Python combats the far darting rays of Apollo.
This does not sound like Epictetus at all. If anything, it sounds more like Machiavelli.
Vary the Mode of Action; not always the same way, so as to distract attention, especially if there be a rival. Not always from first impulse; they will soon recognise the uniformity, and by anticipating, frustrate your designs. It is easy to kill a bird on the wing that flies straight: not so one that twists. Nor always act on second thoughts: they can discern the plan the second time. The enemy is on the watch, great skill is required to circumvent him. The gamesternever plays the card the opponent expects, still less that which he wants.
Again, very Machiavell.
6. What kinds of metaphors was Gracian apt to use to illustrate his ideas? How have these contributed to the longevity of his ideas?
Gracian uses metaphors as a way of circular reasoning. The title of his aphorisms ususally sums up the central theme in a few words. He uses metaphors and ideas that could be used in a various number of situations and this is why he is still referenced today.
