Discourses on Livy · Chapter
LII explained
Machiavelli argues that the safest way to check a powerful citizen's ambition is to anticipate and adopt his methods for gaining popular support, rather than opposing him directly.
What happens
Machiavelli argues that the safest way to check a powerful citizen's ambition is to anticipate and adopt his methods for gaining popular support, rather than opposing him directly. He illustrates this with examples from Rome, Cosimo de' Medici in Florence, Piero Soderini, and the Roman senate's error in trusting Octavianus against Antonius.
Themes in this chapter
Leadership and Moral Character
Explores how leaders like Piero Soderini must balance honor and effectiveness, and how enemies can undermine power by adopting popular methods.
Necessity and Reason of State
Discusses the strategic necessity of forestalling rivals and the dangers of miscalculation, as seen in Tullius's advice to the senate.
Ingratitude and Suspicion in Republics
Highlights how suspicion and envy among citizens can lead to ruinous opposition, as in the cases of Soderini and the Roman senate.
Characters to notice
- Cosimo de' Medici
Cited as an example of a citizen whose ambition could have been checked by enemies adopting his popular methods instead of banishing him.
- Piero Soderini
Discussed as a leader who gained influence through popular affection; his enemies could have forestalled him but his own honorable course prevented him from adopting their methods.
- Marcus Antonius
Referenced in the story of Tullius (Cicero) seeking to diminish his power, which backfired when Antonius persuaded Octavianus to join him.
- Caesar
Mentioned as the great captain whose veterans and heir (Octavianus) were central to the senate's miscalculation.
- Titus Livius
Implied as the source for the Roman historical examples discussed in the chapter.
Key passages
“That to check the arrogance of a citizen who is growing too powerful in a state, there is no safer method, or less open to objection, than to forestall him in those ways whereby he seeks to advance himself.”
The safest way to curb a citizen's rising power is to beat him at his own game by adopting the methods he uses to gain influence.
Central thesis of the chapter.
“Had the senate constantly adhered to methods like these, they would have put an end to all disturbances in Rome, and have deprived the tribunes of the credit they had with the people, and of the influence thence arising.”
If the Roman senate had consistently used this strategy, they could have neutralized the tribunes' popular support and prevented unrest.
Application of the principle to Roman history.
“For Antonius persuaded Octavianus to take part with him, and to throw over Tullius and the senate. And this brought about the ruin of the senate, a result which might easily have been foreseen.”
Antonius convinced Octavianus to join him instead of the senate, leading to the senate's downfall—a predictable outcome.
Example of miscalculation in political strategy.