Discourses on Livy · Chapter
XLII explained
This chapter examines how easily men become corrupted, using the decemvirate as an example.
What happens
This chapter examines how easily men become corrupted, using the decemvirate as an example. It notes that even those born good and well brought up can change their nature when given power and small benefits, as seen with the youths around Appius and Quintus Fabius. The chapter argues that lawmakers must restrain evil appetites and remove hope of wrongdoing with impunity.
Themes in this chapter
Virtù and Fortune
The chapter illustrates how even virtuous men can be corrupted by ambition and opportunity, highlighting the fragility of moral character.
Necessity and Reason of State
Discusses the necessity of laws to restrain evil appetites and prevent corruption, emphasizing the role of institutional safeguards.
Characters to notice
- Appius Claudius
Gathered youths around him who became corrupted and supported his tyranny.
- Marcus Fabius
A member of the second decemvirate, blinded by ambition and misled by Appius, he abandoned his good character for unworthy courses.
Key passages
“How easily men become corrupted. In this matter of the decemvirate we may likewise note the ease wherewith men become corrupted, and how completely, although born good and well brought up, they change their nature.”
People can be corrupted very easily, as shown by the decemvirate: even those who are naturally good and well-educated can completely transform their character.
Machiavelli introduces the central theme of moral corruption and its rapid onset.
“For we see how favourably disposed the youths whom Appius gathered round him became towards his tyranny, in return for the trifling benefits which they drew from it;”
The young men Appius surrounded himself with became loyal to his tyranny because of the small advantages they gained.
Illustrates how small rewards can corrupt loyalty and foster tyranny.
“Careful consideration of this should make those who frame laws for commonwealths and kingdoms more alive to the necessity of placing restraints on men’s evil appetites, and depriving them of all hope of doing wrong with impunity.”
Lawmakers should learn from this to impose limits on human wickedness and ensure that no one can commit crimes without facing consequences.
Machiavelli's practical advice for legislators to prevent corruption through legal constraints.