Machiavelli #11

Nicolo Machiavelli was born to Florentine nobles Bernardo di Nicolo Machiavelli, a lawyer, and his wife Bartolommea di Stefano Nelli on May 3, 1469.  He studied under Latin teacher Paolo da Ronciglione and is believed to have studied at the University of Florence.  He came into public service at the fall of Lorenzo de Medici in 1494, and lost his office in 1512 the Medici regained power.  Medici accused Machiavelli of conspiracy and had him thrown into jail and tortured.  The pope procured his release and Machiavelli devoted the rest of his life to literature and retied to his small home in San Casciano.  At the fall of Medici, Machiavelli tried to get his office back in Florence, but upon his arrival he fell ill and died on June 22, 1527.

One of Machiavelli’s most famous writings is The Prince.  It was original thought it was written about the life of Cesare Borgia, but was later dedicated to Lorenzo di Piero dé Medici.  The book was controversial and put on the banned list by the Catholic church.  It is believed that Machiavelli penned the phrase “The end justifies the means”, but it hasn’t been located in any of his writings.  Many uprising, gangsters, and even civil rights leaders have used the philosophy based in this book.  Malcolm X’s motto was “By any means necessary”.  Machiavelli had not intended on writing a self-help book that would be used for centuries to come.  He had only intended to assist the current ruler and regain some place in politics in Florence, however, he has impacted the political world as well as everyday life is a significant way.