# XLVII explained — Discourses on Livy

> Chapter companion for Discourses on Livy by Niccolò Machiavelli.

## What happens

Machiavelli discusses how people deceive themselves in generalities but judge truly in particulars, using examples from Rome, Capua, and Florence to illustrate that when faced with specific choices, the commons often recognize the merits of the nobility over their own.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class Conflict and Political Order

The struggle between Roman nobles and commons over consular authority and the Capuan class tensions illustrate how class conflict shapes political outcomes.

### Leadership and Moral Character

Pacuvius Calavius's shrewd leadership in reconciling Capuan factions and the Roman people's discernment in choosing worthy leaders highlight the role of character in governance.

## Character check-ins

### Titus Livius

Quoted for his observation on the Roman people's judgment in elections.

### Hannibal

Mentioned in the context of the Roman defeat at Cannae that led to Capuan unrest.

### Piero Soderini

Implicitly referenced in the Florentine example of magistrates changing views upon taking office.

## Key lines

> the result showed that the people when declaring their honest judgment after controversy was over, were governed by a different spirit from that which had inspired them while contending for their liberties and for a share in public honours.

Once the conflict ended, the people judged differently than when they were fighting for their rights.

_Livy's observation on the Roman election of tribunes._

> Where shall we now find in any one man, that modesty, moderation, and magnanimity which were then common to the entire people?

Such virtues were once widespread among the Roman populace but are rare today.

_Livy's admiration for the Roman people's collective character._

> men had one mind in the marketplace, another in the palace.

People speak differently as private citizens than as magistrates.

_Florentine proverb reflecting the change in perspective upon assuming office._

## Links

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