Discourses on Livy · Chapter
XXXVIII explained
This chapter examines the indecisiveness of weak republics, arguing that they are driven more by necessity than choice.
What happens
This chapter examines the indecisiveness of weak republics, arguing that they are driven more by necessity than choice. Using the example of the Roman senate's prudent decision to allow the Latins and Hernicians to defend themselves during a pestilence, Machiavelli contrasts this with the Florentines' irresolute handling of Duke Valentino's request for passage and their failed negotiations over Pisa and Arezzo. He concludes that weak states, unable to resolve doubts, only act under compulsion and thus incur greater dishonor.
Themes in this chapter
Necessity and Reason of State
The chapter emphasizes that weak republics are forced by necessity to act, and that prudent leaders accept the least harmful course, as the Roman senate did in allowing the Latins and Hernicians to arm themselves.
Leadership and Moral Character
The Roman senate's prudence and magnanimity in making difficult decisions under duress is contrasted with the Florentines' irresolution and lack of foresight.
Ingratitude and Suspicion in Republics
The Florentines' distrust of King Louis XII's good faith led them to reject advantageous terms, illustrating how suspicion can undermine a republic's interests.
Characters to notice
- King Louis XII
King of France who, after recovering Milan, sought to restore Pisa to the Florentines in exchange for payment, sending troops under M. Beaumont.
Key passages
“That weak republics are irresolute and undecided; and that the course they may take depends more on necessity than choice.”
Weak republics cannot make firm decisions and are driven by circumstances rather than deliberate choice.
Opening thesis of the chapter.
“Here we recognize the prudence and magnanimity of the Roman senate, and how at all times, and in all changes of fortune, they assumed the responsibility of determining the course their country should take; and were not ashamed, when necessary, to decide on a course contrary to that which was usual with them, or which they had decided to follow on some other occasion.”
The Roman senate showed wisdom and generosity by taking charge of decisions and adapting their policies to changing circumstances without embarrassment.
Praise for the Roman senate's flexibility and leadership.
“But of all courses the worst for a weak state is to be irresolute; for then whatever it does will seem to be done under compulsion, so that if by chance it should do anything well, this will be set down to necessity and not to prudence.”
Indecision is the most harmful behavior for a weak state, because any action taken will appear forced, and even successes will be credited to necessity rather than wisdom.
Key warning against irresolution.
“Applying what has been said to the matter in hand, we find that irresolute republics, unless upon compulsion, never follow wise courses; for wherever there is room for doubt, their weakness will not suffer them to come to any resolve; so that unless their doubts be overcome by some superior force which impels them forward, they remain always in suspense.”
In conclusion, indecisive republics never choose wisely unless forced; their weakness prevents them from resolving doubts, so they remain stuck unless compelled by a stronger power.
Final summary of the chapter's lesson.