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Renaissance is a period of growth when discoveries, explorations, inventions, and values once again were wildly focused on which allowed influential intellectuals to promote innovative shifts in thought. Niccolò Machiavelli was just one of many divergent thinkers who contributed to learning and change, however, his controversial reputation, questionable ambitions, and overall thought-provoking written works make him stand out as a famously influential Renaissance man with startling ideas. Born in Florence, Italy, of a non-wealthy aristocrat, Machiavellis father, Bernardo, was a lawyer and small landowner, and Machiavelli’s mother, Bartolommeo, gave birth to him in 1469. Machiavelli was schooled in Latin literature, receiving a humanist education. As Florence was a center of philosophy and the arts during his childhood, Machiavelli grew up reading the classics in his father’s library and was increasingly exposed to political figures like Marcello Adriani. Machiavelli was knowledgeable, educated, and skilled in a wide range of fields. He strove for further development as a man of progress, he was a humanist who aimed to separate the Christian faith from politics, and his profound and innovative ideas were of grand impact and influence. This allowed him to become a prominent and controversial Italian Renaissance figure.
Machiavelli did not limit his capabilities, he strove for all knowledge as an Italian diplomat, philosopher, politician, historian, playwright, humanist, and poet. Although specializing in politics, he was a classical scholar who continued to learn, develop, and advance. This can be seen as he began his political career in 1494, as a government clerk to which he quickly rose in ranks and was appointed a diplomat position, entering the Florentine chancellery. This position allowed him to travel to places like France, Rome, and Aragon, exposing him to several forms of government. He established the Florentine militia and excelled while in charge of republic foreign affairs until 1512 when the Florentine government was overthrown, and the Medici dynasty regained lost power. Machiavelli was not only dismissed from office but arrested and tortured under suspicion of conspiracy. He was exiled to an estate near Florence where he refused to give up, and he began his studies in the classics once again to further advance his knowledge. Machiavelli began writing about his own political philosophy to gain favor and to prove his usefulness as a politician. Seeking to give advice he wrote his most influential works The Prince and Discourses on Livy. He further made use of his written works by displaying his profound knowledge of politics and dedicating them to influential men. By the 1520s he began to gain power once again and worked on minor political commissions. Machiavelli died in 1527 before he could regain his old position, however, Machiavellis skills as a Renaissance man were not put to waste or left undiscovered as years later when his famous works were published Machiavellis final thoughts, advice, and arguments gained attention quickly. Although Machiavelli was a controversial figure for his particular stances on religion, politics, and morality, he was unquestionably a man of profound knowledge, numerous capabilities, and unprecedented progress as even after his death he remained relevant for his ambitious ideas.
During the Renaissance, the relationship between politics, religion, and morality was a prevalent issue as humanism dominated this period and as result, many intellectuals focused on issues regarding human betterment, the human world, and the individual rather than the spiritual world. Much like other famous Renaissance figures, Machiavelli was a humanist who also wanted to break free from religious control and promoted the separation of the state and the church. He often discussed the relationship between religion and politics and is known for advancing the secularization of politics as he believed politics should have the primary goal of developing and maintaining a powerful state. Machiavelli argued, In order to succeed in politics, one had to learn to abandon goodness, at least at times and thus, Christian faith and politics could not go hand in hand as Christian traditional or moral values limited the success of politicians. Machiavelli studied many topics of humanity regarding history, philosophy, and even poetry, and like many other humanists, he inspired new possibilities of human thought and ideals while trying to educate the people and separate politics from religious values. He provoked new thought by challenging the prevailing views which can be seen when he declared the government’s role is not to maintain and distribute justice but to focus on growth and expansion. As a Renaissance humanist and political philosopher, Machiavelli focused on political efficiency and effectiveness rather than moral behavior. He used his knowledge to promote what he argued was proper and effective state conduct without regard for traditional notions of Christian values of right and wrong.
Machiavelli was not afraid to put his divergent ideas into words which contributed to his controversial reputation as a teacher of evil or a political schemer. Despite his reputation, Machiavelli was nonetheless a prominent Renaissance figure who sparked heavy debates and discussions about the role of the state and religion. Machiavelli made his most influential impact as a Renaissance figure through his written works, such as The Prince, as he had many theories on how to establish a good republican government, the uses of deceit, and the importance of a person of power being loved or feared. Many of Machiavellis ideas have various interpretations such as his argument: A prince ought to encourage fear in such a way that, if he does not win love, he avoids hatred. Through different interpretations some Renaissance authors viewed Machiavelli as a prophet of unification and some referred to him as a Machiavellian who promoted success through scheming. Whether Machiavelli inspired evil or not he was still of grand impact as he examined how politics actually worked rather than how it should have worked in a moral sense and even long after his death his influential ideas continued to appear in works. Such as, in The Commonwealth of Oceana, 1957, by James Harrington, Machiavelli is discussed as the prince of politics. Although many authors and political philosophers have also disapproved of Machiavellis teachings, as he may have taught oppressive rulers how to gain power, many authors have nonetheless been influenced by Machiavelli’s innovative views, observations, and analysis of politics. For Machiavelli, the ultimate goal of the state was stability and so through his written works, like The Prince, he advised states on how to hold power and discussed the problems of a princely government. Beginning a new stage of political thought, Machiavellis examination of how politics functioned, and his profound ideas on political success lead to his own success as a historically influential Renaissance philosopher.
In conclusion, Machiavelli lived in a time with many political implications. He was exposed to significant political changes as the Medici dynasty interfered with the upbringing of the Republic of Florentine. He strived to educate Florentine citizens and promote political thought through his written works as he realized the need for the strong political rule and the establishment of an effective and central government. Machiavelli was significantly knowledgeable in ideal behaviors for successful politicians. Having been exposed to many politicians and forms of government, he wrote the famous works The Prince and The Discourses of Ivy which focused on his recommended characteristics and behaviors for rulers and politicians, along with his ideals on political practices. Machiavelli was a man who focused on furthering his career and knowledge, he was a humanist who helped secularize politics and a novelty who challenged society with his divergent ideas. Although the Renaissance is often remembered for art and architecture, Machiavellis progressive work as an influential statesman and writer has greatly impacted history like any other important figure of the Renaissance.
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