Discourses on Livy · Chapter
LIX explained
Machiavelli compares the reliability of leagues and alliances made with commonwealths versus those made with princes, arguing that while both may break faith under duress, commonwealths are generally more stable and trustworthy due to their
What happens
Machiavelli compares the reliability of leagues and alliances made with commonwealths versus those made with princes, arguing that while both may break faith under duress, commonwealths are generally more stable and trustworthy due to their slower decision-making and greater resistance to breaking faith for slight advantages.
Themes in this chapter
Virtù and Fortune
Examines how commonwealths and princes respond to fortune and necessity, with commonwealths showing greater virtue in keeping faith.
Necessity and Reason of State
Discusses how fear and duress lead to broken faith, and how advantage can override honor in princes.
Leadership and Moral Character
Compares the moral character of commonwealths versus princes in upholding treaties.
Characters to notice
- Demetrius
Cited as an example of a prince who, after conferring benefits on Athens, was refused shelter when defeated.
- Themistocles
Proposed a dishonorable but advantageous plan to the Athenians, which they rejected.
- Philip of Macedon
Contrasted with the Athenians as a prince who would have acted dishonorably for advantage.
- Caesar
Mentioned as the victor over Pompey at Thessaly.
Key passages
“Demetrius, who was named the 'City-taker,' had conferred numberless benefits upon the Athenians; but when, afterwards, on being defeated by his enemies, he sought shelter in Athens, as being a friendly city and under obligations to him, it was refused him; a circumstance which grieved him far more than the loss of his soldiers and army had done.”
Demetrius, known as the conqueror of cities, had done many favors for Athens, yet when he was defeated and sought refuge there, the Athenians turned him away, which hurt him more than losing his army.
Illustrates the ingratitude of commonwealths under fear.
“Aristides reporting to the Athenians that the course proposed by Themistocles was extremely advantageous but extremely dishonourable, the people utterly refused to entertain it.”
Aristides told the Athenians that Themistocles' plan was very beneficial but also very dishonorable, and the people completely rejected it.
Shows the moral restraint of a commonwealth compared to a prince.