The Prince: Chinese-English Translation

Author: Li Ying Ma Jiayavili
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: Machiavelli claimed to be teaching lessons to rulers, but in reality, he was teaching to the masses. Machiavelli's research on political behavior is no different from a chemist's study of chemical reactions. He approached these matters with the calmness and composure of a scientist. Machiavelli prescribed political remedies. This book is the masterpiece of Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian statesman and thinker. Machiavelli was a staunch advocate of unified, centralized nation-states. He believed that the existence of the Pope and the Church, as well as the mutual jealousy and disdain among the city-states of Italy, had caused Italy to lose its leading position in commerce and trade during the Middle Ages. Moreover, due to the lack of a unified national state, Italy suffered subjugation from Spain, France, and Germany. The development of capitalist economies urgently demanded political transformation toward stable and unified order. To end Italy's fragmented state and unify it into a single nation, Machiavelli argued that rulers should not be bound by moral principles and could use any means necessary to achieve their goals. "Regarding humans in general, it can be said that they are ungrateful, fickle, deceivers, pretenders, and they flee danger while pursuing profit." (Page 80) For a ruler, it is not necessary to possess all virtues, nor should they retain any vices that could lead to their downfall. In terms of generosity and stinginess, "the wise prefer to be called stingy, for while it brings a bad name, it does not provoke hatred. Pursuing the reputation of generosity, however, inevitably leads to the label of avarice, and avarice brings both disgrace and hatred." (Page 78) "In our time, we see that only those once called stingy have achieved great things, while others have all failed." (Page 77) Regarding cruelty and mercy, a ruler should not mind the reputation of cruelty but should avoid excessive mercy, as mercy can lead to ruin. "It is safer to be feared than loved." (Page 80) However, a ruler must master the limits and scope of using cruel measures—damage should be done swiftly, and they should not touch the property or families of their subjects. In terms of faithfulness and cunning, a ruler should emulate both the fox and the lion. "Since the lion cannot prevent itself from falling into traps, and the fox cannot resist wolves, a ruler must be a fox to recognize traps and a lion to frighten wolves." (Pages 83-84) When it is disadvantageous to keep promises or when the reasons for making them no longer exist, a wise ruler must neither be able to nor should they keep their word. But a ruler must also understand how to conceal this ferocity and must be a great hypocrite, appearing to possess all virtues. "For the masses are always attracted by appearances and the results of things, and this world is full of the masses." (Page 86) In the book, Machiavelli also argues that a ruler must learn to avoid actions that could make them hated or despised. A ruler must guard against being perceived as fickle, frivolous, weak, or indecisive, as if they were navigating treacherous reefs. They should strive to appear great, heroic, solemn, and resolute in action, so that people hold the opinion that "no one should expect to deceive or fool them," thereby countering all conspiracies and securing their throne. (Pages 87-88) At the same time, to avoid criticism from the nobility for protecting the people or from the people for protecting the nobility, a ruler should establish a third-party judicial body (parliament) without bearing personal responsibility. "For the king and the kingdom, there is no better, more prudent, or safer system in the world than this." (Page 91) A ruler must entrust responsibilities to others while retaining the power to bestow benefits and kindness. A ruler must rely on their actions to earn the reputation of greatness and extraordinary talent. When a ruler openly supports one side or opposes another, they will also gain respect, and such a clear stance is always more useful than neutrality. (Page 107) Additionally, a ruler must show that they value talent, employ skilled individuals, honor outstanding figures in various fields, and encourage citizens to diligently fulfill their duties, bringing joy to the people. A ruler should treat their subjects by making them grateful, sharing honor, and sharing responsibilities, while avoiding flattery. In summary, a ruler should not trust fate but should align their actions with the characteristics of the times to achieve the great task of "liberating Italy from the barbarians." In Machiavelli's works, The Prince is the smallest but the most famous. It was published five years after the author's death in 1532 and has, to this day, had a profound impact for over 450 years. From the West to the East, it has sparked intense reactions in religious, political, academic, and social circles. In the 1980s, it was listed as one of the most influential and best-selling top ten world classics.