Discourses on Livy · Chapter
LI explained
The chapter discusses the prudence of making necessary actions appear as if they were chosen freely, using the Roman senate's decision to grant pay to soldiers as an example.
What happens
The chapter discusses the prudence of making necessary actions appear as if they were chosen freely, using the Roman senate's decision to grant pay to soldiers as an example. The senate turned a necessity into a popular concession, earning the gratitude of the people despite the tribunes' objections about increased taxes.
Themes in this chapter
Necessity and Reason of State
The senate acted out of necessity to sustain prolonged wars, but framed the decision as a generous choice to gain popular favor.
Leadership and Moral Character
Prudent leaders disguise necessity as choice to conciliate goodwill, as exemplified by the Roman senate.
Characters to notice
- Titus Livius
Source of the historical account of the Roman senate's decision on soldier pay.
Key passages
“What a prince or republic does of necessity, should seem to be done by choice.”
Actions compelled by necessity ought to be presented as voluntary decisions.
Opening maxim of the chapter.
“For perceiving that under the old system they could maintain no war of any duration, and, consequently, could not undertake a siege or lead an army to any distance from home, and finding it necessary to be able to do both, they decided on granting the pay I have spoken of.”
The senate realized that without pay, they could not wage long wars or distant campaigns, so they were forced to authorize public funding for soldiers.
Explanation of the necessity behind the decision.
“But this, which they could not help doing, they did in such a way as to earn the thanks of the people, by whom the concession was so well received that all Rome was intoxicated with delight.”
Though the senate had no choice, they implemented the measure so skillfully that the people were overjoyed and grateful.
Describes the senate's prudence in gaining popular approval.