# LIV explained — Discourses on Livy

> Chapter companion for Discourses on Livy by Niccolò Machiavelli.

## What happens

This chapter discusses how a grave and authoritative figure can restrain an excited multitude, using the example of Messer Francesco Soderini calming an armed crowd in Florence, and referencing the Roman people's stubborn desire to transplant themselves to Veii.

## Themes in this chapter

### Leadership and Moral Character

The chapter emphasizes how a grave and authoritative figure can calm an excited multitude through personal bearing and dignity.

### Necessity and Reason of State

The senate used revered citizens to repress popular fury, showing the necessity of authority to maintain order.

## Character check-ins

### Piero Soderini

Mentioned as Pagolo Antonio Soderini, a citizen of great reputation, whose house was threatened by the Frateschi faction.

### Antonio Giacomini

Not directly mentioned; however, the Soderini family is referenced, and Messer Francesco Soderini is the key figure.

## Key lines

> nothing tends so much to restrain an excited multitude as the reverence felt for some grave person, clothed with authority, who stands forward to oppose them.

The most effective way to calm a riotous crowd is the presence of a respected authority figure who confronts them.

_Central thesis of the chapter._

> putting on his best apparel and over it his episcopal robes, went forth to meet the armed multitude, and by his words and mien brought them to a stay

Messer Francesco Soderini dressed in his finest and episcopal robes, then faced the armed crowd, calming them with his speech and demeanor.

_Example from Florence illustrating the principle._

## Links

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