Paradox: America is the defender of self-evident rights, founded on land whose natives' rights were not so evident. It is necessary—not hypocrisy—that principles to be violated in order to be actualized. Right: white wash; Left: denounce - naive There is costs to doing politics. "Machiavelli would argue that America owes her greatness not only to her habitual adherence to the principles of freedom and justice, but also to her occasional deviation from them." Two crimes that founded Rome: - Romulus murdering Remus - Betraying their partners after absorbing enough subjects Parallels America's founding. Example: Creek War. Andrew Jackson pushes through Indian Removal Act that exiles the same Crerokees whom he owes his life to. Machiavelli: Rome would not have been great if she respected the freedom of others. "To use fraud in managing war is a glorious thing." At least it is bloodless. Principles need to be violated—or sacrificed—at times when strength can be gained, so that one could be strong enough to protect one's principles. Three main values of Mahiavelli: 1. Equality requires singular leadership from great men 2. Freedom comes from (class) conflict 3. Rule of law requires killing and violence to be sustained ## Equality People are vulgar. Thus, they can be trusted with political judgement. Vulgar people judge with their eyes, not hands—sight, not touch. They judge outcomes instead of intention, appearance instead of essence. Their criterion for political leaders: 1. Outward accomplishments or badges of honour, 2. Close associations 3. Family lineage Machiavelli prefers the effectual truth over imaginary truths, principalities, over republics—like that of Plato and Augustine. Wise men honor noble losers. Machiavelli wants none of that. Screw so called virtue and nobility. What Machiavelli likes is winners, plain and simple, just like vulgar men do. Vulgar worldly glory is a better judge for political success than wise, esteemed, virtuous nobility. The downside is they could be deceived by appearances. Why can people be trusted with political judgement? 1. People are vulgar 2. People are less biased than elites (due to less invested interests) While leaders seek to oppress, the people merely seek not to be oppressed. How wealth corrupts a state? 1. Encouragement of the pursuit of luxuries 2. Removal of necessity Machiavelli is in favor of keeping the private poor, but keeping the public (military) rich. Why is Machiavelli an egalitarian? 1. The people have good political judgement 2. The elites corrupt society 3. Egalitarianism is good for war War replace commerce as channel for ambition. Say no to idolizing luxury, but yes to glorifying martial prowess. Why do the people need great men? The people need a head to make good judgment. Machiavelli's idea of an ideal political state is a republic with a prince, or a civic principality. They both mean prince and people join hands against elites. ## Freedom Only houses that stand upon itself may stand. Institutionalized class conflict where the plebs keep the commoners in check, while the commoners keep the elite in check is perfect for Mahiavelli. Tumults. He seems to have a vision of human nature similar to the idea of an all-for-all war. Conflict only works well when wars are directed towards wealth. Class conflict works, but party politics do not, they are not ideal. ## Law Publics act of accusations involve accusing someone of a crime, and putting him on trial that is judged on a mojority count in public. Calamnies involve spreading a rumor of crime that leads to a private verdict. Machiavelli is a fan of the first not the second. Machiavelli likes the former, not later. Even a small trial is better than a private act. It's always about doing it right. What sustains law and order is excessive spectacle of violence, and it has to be beyond legalities sometimes. Executions of orders on the spot is, for Machiavelli, both noble and just due to its excessiveness. This all helps strike fear into the people. >[!quote] All who are deserving needs to be punished, not all who are punished needs to be decerving. Machiavelli probably thinks we need scapegatsts to survive. --- Thumbnail ideas: - Fraud wins war - Fraud is glorious - Fraud can be glorious - Principles are not for the weak - Principles are only for the strong - Good people bad leaders - Principles must be violated