Monarchies-(English-Chinese Parallel Translation Collection Edition)

Author: (Italian) Machiavelli / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features:
Chapter 2: Hereditary Monarchies
Here, I will not discuss republics, as I have already provided detailed elsewhere. I will only address monarchies, further organizing the threads mentioned earlier and discussing how these monarchies should be governed and maintained. In my opinion, hereditary monarchies ruled by successive dynasties are much easier to govern than new monarchies. Hereditary kings need only stay true to the established customs of their ancestors and adapt to changing circumstances when facing unexpected events. Thus, even if a king’s achievements are mediocre, he can maintain long-term stability in his own country, unless he is overthrown by extraordinary powerful forces. Moreover, even if he loses his crown, as long as the usurper meets with misfortune, his crown will be restored.
Let’s take an example from Italy: The Duke of Ferrara was attacked by the Venetians in 1484 and again by Pope Julius in 1510, yet he did not fall. There is no other reason for this except that his family had ruled the territory for a long time. Hereditary kings rarely have reasons or needs to offend others, so it is natural for them to be beloved. If they do not commit heinous crimes that incur the resentment of the people, they will naturally achieve their goals in everything, which is only logical.
This form of rule has a long and unbroken history, with memories and motivations for change lingering but having long faded. Each change always leaves a jagged edge for the next change to take root. P15