Niccolò Machiavelli: His political archetype and influence on history

Abstract

The human being has always wondered who should govern and how? Western classical cultures and later Christianity in response to this question agree that the ruler must have solid moral principles, must be virtuous and kind. Nicholas Machiavelli, especially in his works “The Prince” and “Discourses on the first decade of Tito Livio” moves away from this conception, separating morality from politics, and establishes a new archetype on the figure of the ruler, highlighting in him the cunning and the ability to move between good and evil as the situation warrants, in order to preserve the State and the position of power. This new archetype has been a source of inspiration for important personalities and political movements throughout history to the present day, being the precedent of important events.