The Prince · Chapter
VIII: Concerning Those Who Have Obtained a Principality by Wickedness explained
Machiavelli examines how private individuals can rise to power through wicked or nefarious means, using the examples of Agathocles of Syracuse and Oliverotto da Fermo.
What happens
Machiavelli examines how private individuals can rise to power through wicked or nefarious means, using the examples of Agathocles of Syracuse and Oliverotto da Fermo. He contrasts their methods, noting that cruelty can be 'properly used' if applied decisively and not repeated, while poorly used cruelty leads to instability. The chapter concludes with advice on the efficient application of violence and the strategic distribution of benefits.
Themes in this chapter
The Use of Cruelty and Clemency
Machiavelli distinguishes between 'properly used' cruelty (applied once for security) and 'badly used' cruelty (repeated and escalating), using Agathocles and Oliverotto as contrasting examples.
Human Nature and Its Exploitation
The chapter demonstrates how rulers exploit trust and hospitality (e.g., Oliverotto's banquet) to achieve their ends, reflecting a cynical view of human nature.
Acquisition and Maintenance of Power
Both Agathocles and Oliverotto exemplify the acquisition of a principality through wickedness, with advice on how to maintain power by avoiding repeated injuries.
Characters to notice
- Agathocles
King of Syracuse who rose from a lowly potter's son to power through military prowess and a massacre of the senate and wealthy citizens.
- Oliverotto da Fermo
A modern example who seized Fermo by treachery, murdering his uncle Giovanni Fogliani and other leaders at a banquet.
- Giovanni Fogliani
Oliverotto's uncle who raised him and was killed by Oliverotto during the banquet coup.
- Cesare Borgia
Mentioned as the one who later captured and executed Oliverotto at Sinigalia.
- Pope Alexander VI
Referenced as the pope during whose rule Oliverotto's actions took place.
- Pagolo Vitelli
Oliverotto's early military commander under whom he trained.
- Vitellozzo Vitelli
Brother of Pagolo, under whom Oliverotto served and with whom he was later executed.
Key passages
“Yet it cannot be called talent to slay fellow-citizens, to deceive friends, to be without faith, without mercy, without religion; such methods may gain empire, but not glory.”
Killing citizens, betraying friends, and lacking faith, mercy, or religion may win power, but it does not earn true honor.
Machiavelli distinguishes between effective but unglorious methods and those that bring lasting renown.
“For injuries ought to be done all at one time, so that, being tasted less, they offend less; benefits ought to be given little by little, so that the flavour of them may last longer.”
Harm should be inflicted all at once to minimize resentment, while favors should be granted gradually to prolong gratitude.
A key strategic principle for maintaining control after a seizure of power.