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Discourses on Livy


Synopsis


Discourses on Livy is the founding document of modern republicanism, and Harvey C. Mansfield and Nathan Tarcov have provided the definitive English translation of this classic work. Faithful to the original Italian text, properly attentive to Machiavelli's idiom and subtlety of thought, it is eminently readable. With a substantial introduction, extensive explanatory notes, a glossary of key words, and an annotated index, the Discourses reveals Machiavelli's radical vision of a new science of politics, a vision of "new modes and orders" that continue to shape the modern ethos.

"[Machiavelli] found in Livy the means to inspire scholars for five centuries. Within the Discourses, often hidden and sometimes unintended by their author, lie the seeds of modern political thought. . . . [Mansfield and Tarcov's] translation is careful and idiomatic."-Peter Stothard, The Times

"Translated with painstaking accuracy-but also great readability."-Weekly Standard

"A model of contemporary scholarship and a brave effort at Machiavelli translation that allows the great Florentine to speak in his own voice."-Choice

Niccolò Machiavelli (author), Harvey C. Mansfield (translator), Nathan Tarcov (translator)

Summary

Chapter 1: The Foundation of Rome

* Machiavelli argues that Rome's success was due to its republican institutions and the virtue of its citizens.
* Example: When the Romans defeated the Gauls, they rebuilt Rome with a stronger, more defensible wall. This shows the Romans' determination and their commitment to their city.

Chapter 2: The People and the Senate

* Machiavelli examines the conflict between the patricians (aristocracy) and the plebeians (commoners).
* He argues that the best government is one that balances the interests of both groups.
* Example: The Roman tribune Publius Licinius Stolo proposed laws that would have redistributed land and political power from the patricians to the plebeians. This shows the tensions between the two classes.

Chapter 3: The Virtue of the Romans

* Machiavelli praises the Romans for their martial spirit, discipline, and public service.
* He argues that these qualities were essential to Rome's success.
* Example: The Roman general Scipio Africanus led his army to victory over Hannibal in the Second Punic War. This shows the Romans' military prowess and their ability to overcome adversity.

Chapter 4: The Role of Fortune

* Machiavelli acknowledges that fortune plays a role in human affairs.
* However, he argues that it is important to recognize and seize opportunities when they arise.
* Example: Julius Caesar took advantage of the chaos after the assassination of Julius Caesar to seize power as dictator of Rome. This shows how Machiavelli believed that luck and skill can work together.

Chapter 5: The Decline of the Roman Republic

* Machiavelli traces the decline of the Roman Republic to the rise of corruption, luxury, and internal division.
* He argues that the Romans lost their virtue and became too dependent on foreign mercenaries.
* Example: The Roman general Marius recruited poor citizens into the army, which weakened the traditional military discipline and led to social instability.

Chapter 6: The Rise of the Empire

* Machiavelli argues that the establishment of the Roman Empire was necessary to maintain order and security.
* However, he also warns that empires are prone to tyranny and corruption.
* Example: Emperor Augustus ruled Rome wisely and peacefully, but his successors were less capable and eventually led the empire into a period of decline.

Chapter 7: The Lessons of History

* Machiavelli concludes by urging his readers to learn from the lessons of history.
* He believes that the study of the past can help us understand the present and avoid making the same mistakes.
* Example: Machiavelli uses the example of the Roman Empire to warn against the dangers of tyranny and the importance of maintaining a balance of power.