# I explained — Discourses on Livy

> Chapter companion for Discourses on Livy by Niccolò Machiavelli.

## What happens

Machiavelli discusses the origins of cities, distinguishing between those founded by natives and those by strangers, and uses Rome as a prime example of a city founded in freedom. He emphasizes the importance of a founder's capacity in choosing a site and framing laws, arguing that fertile regions require strict laws to prevent corruption, as seen in Rome's enduring virtue.

## Themes in this chapter

### Virtù and Fortune

The founder's capacity (virtù) and the city's fortune are linked; Rome's virtue was maintained through strict laws despite fertile conditions.

### Necessity and Reason of State

Cities are founded out of necessity (e.g., defense against enemies) or choice, and laws must enforce discipline to counteract the corrupting influence of ease.

### Leadership and Moral Character

The founder's wisdom in choosing a site and framing laws is crucial for the city's long-term success and moral character.

## Character check-ins

### Titus Livius

Historian whose work on Rome is the basis for Machiavelli's Discourses.

### Romulus

Founder of Rome, either as a native or stranger, whose laws instituted strict discipline.

### Numa

Second king of Rome, whose laws contributed to Rome's enduring virtue.

### Alexander the Great

Founder of Alexandria, used as an example of a city built by a prince for renown.

### Moses

Example of a founder who led a people to a new habitation and established a city.

### Aeneas

Founder of Rome according to one tradition, representing a city founded by strangers.

## Key lines

> No one who reads how the city of Rome had its beginning, who were its founders, and what its ordinances and laws, will marvel that so much excellence was maintained in it through many ages, or that it grew afterwards to be so great an empire.

Anyone who studies Rome's origins, founders, and laws will understand why it maintained such excellence for centuries and became a great empire.

_Machiavelli sets up the thesis that Rome's greatness stems from its foundational principles._

> And as for that languor which the situation might breed, care must be had that hardships which the site does not enforce, shall be enforced by the laws.

To counteract the laziness that a fertile environment might cause, laws must impose the discipline that the location does not naturally provide.

_Machiavelli argues that laws must compensate for environmental advantages to prevent corruption._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/i
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_on_livy_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters