About five centuries ago, Machiavelli offered some #leadership lessons for would-be dictators. But based on his studies of the fall of the Roman Empire and Renaissance Florence, he also offered advice for people who wished to avoid a Machiavellian dictatorship – and any Americans reading it should take notes. A political science professor from Tufts University breaks down a few things to take into consideration from Machiavelli: Is it too late for the American republic? What’s your take? https://buff.ly/3L92aKD #politics #USpolitics #history
The Conversation US’ Post
More Relevant Posts
-
#changelives Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth. -- John F. Kennedy Friend, have you felt the tension in the air? You are afraid to step outside the line; ideas you don't agree with are forced on you yet you are afraid to voice your opinion because you know they will shout you down. We don't know who and can't see these "they", yet "they" are out there ready to pound on anyone who dares to disagree and voice his/her "disapproved" opinion. Land of the Free because of the Brave. In their time, our Founding Fathers have many differences regarding the forming of our country. Through open discussions, exchange of thoughts, incorporating different ideas, accommodating different needs, they finally came up with an agreement that they and the future generations could keep working on. “A republic, if you can keep it.” Ben Franklin famously said. Have we come to the time where we might not be able to keep it anymore? Are we still a Republic or morphing into a Democracy? "... a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship." Said Alexander Fraser Tytler. For this reason, every time one of our elected officers told us we need to protect our Democracy, we should pay double attention to what he/she is doing! Friend, with the advancement of technology and the ability to share information worldwide almost instantly, our way of life is changing rapidly. Whether we agree or disagree with these changes, one thing we must never discharge; our responsibility to preserve the freedom the previous generations passed on to us. True freedom starts with being responsible for self; knowing ultimately our life is our own making. The power of "they" is strong, but truth has a way of never yielding. No matter how hard they try to distort and bury the truth, Truth Seekers are willing to give all to find and preserve it. Truth never yields to conformity, and the truth will set us free! Book to read: Self Leadership and The One Minute Manager. By Ken Blanchard, Ph.d
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
First Principles. I picked this one as I was curious to learn who and what inspired the first four presidents of America who were at the forefront of the war of independence and built the constitution of a new country. Who were their heroes? Here are my top takeaways and insights from this richly researched and well-balanced writing of Thomas E. Ricks. Leap of Faith - There were debates that constitution should say 'We, the States' and not 'We, the people'. The journey from 'We the states' to 'We the People' must have required tremendous courage in thought and virtue (to rise above personal ambitions towards collectivism) to repose faith in the People at a time when the rest of the world was run by monarchies and aristocracies. In this context, envisioning, debating, and believing this idea of a government for the people, of the people, and by the people must have frightened many. Vices cut vices - Framers realized that virtue could not be a driver for a new country. A viable self-government should not require virtue as a base and should have self-correcting measures. Role of systems, institutions, and checks and balances becomes paramount to ensure that no one party could shut the voices and interests of the rest. Looking back in time for wisdom and character - First four presidents drew heavily from Greek and Roman literature (except George Washington who could not read Latin but still heavily influenced) on virtue, governance models, polity and more. They found the political vocabulary, thought, and even pitfalls to avoid from their in-depth study of the writings of political and philosophical thinkers and the life accounts of historical figures. It was also fascinating to learn about the influence of Sottish and French thinkers and philosophers in those times. It was said that Scottish taught America except New England. What are American values; Are they evolving? - In the end it made me think what values are considered American and what are not. Liberty, virtue, and honor dominated the writings of first two presidents and directed their actions during war and after. These values manifested in a constitution that kept its people at the center. The definition of freedom, how it manifests, and how it has evolved can also be debated. One of the core values of constitution is to maximize the wellness of its citizens and to serve the people of this nation. Makes me wonder if the increasing fascination with money and growth at all costs, corporate lobbying limiting representation of and action on matters that concern people, weakening negotiation power of wages over wealth, rising costs of good education (the biggest ticket to freedom IMO), and weakening shared understanding of our political rights are the desired manifestations of real American values. Read detailed summary here: https://lnkd.in/gUQw8zRd
First Principles - Thomas E Ricks
simerbhalla.substack.com
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Read the latest LOST IN HISTORY blog post.
Chile’s Ruthless Dictator, Augusto Pinochet – a Cautionary Tale
https://lost-in-history.com
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Historian | DU | Content Writer | History Enthusiast | Women Empowerment | History Academic Writer | Marketing | Social Media Manager
On May 3, 1469, in the bustling city of Florence, Italy, Niccolò Machiavelli was born. Little did the world know then that this man would become one of the most influential political philosophers in history, shaping the course of political thought and strategy for centuries to come. Machiavelli's most famous work, "The Prince," published in 1532, remains a cornerstone of political literature and a subject of both admiration and controversy. In "The Prince," Machiavelli offers practical advice to rulers on how to acquire and maintain power in a world marked by political intrigue, instability, and conflict. He advocates for a pragmatic approach to governance, emphasizing the importance of cunning, ruthlessness, and flexibility in achieving political objectives. At the heart of Machiavelli's philosophy is his belief in the primacy of political expediency over moral considerations. He famously argued that "the ends justify the means," suggesting that rulers should be willing to employ any means necessary to achieve their goals, even if they involve deception, manipulation, or violence. Machiavelli's ideas sparked intense debate and controversy during his lifetime and continue to provoke discussion and interpretation to this day. While some view him as a cynical and amoral thinker who advocates for tyranny and oppression, others see him as a realist who offers valuable insights into the nature of power and the dynamics of politics. Regardless of one's interpretation, there is no denying the profound impact of Machiavelli's ideas on political theory and practice. His emphasis on the importance of statecraft, the art of war, and the strategic use of power has influenced generations of leaders, statesmen, and scholars, from Renaissance princes to modern-day politicians and military strategists. As we commemorate the birth of Niccolò Machiavelli on this day, we are reminded of the enduring relevance of his ideas and the enduring legacy of his work. Whether celebrated as a visionary thinker or reviled as a Machiavellian schemer, Machiavelli's influence on political thought and strategy remains indelible, shaping our understanding of power and governance in the modern world.
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
-
Read the latest LOST IN HISTORY post.
Senator Joe McCarthy and The Red Scare
https://lost-in-history.com
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
WHY PEOPLE SHUT UP, SAY NOTHING AND END UP IN A SOCIETY THEY DON’T WANT ! Preference Falsification : contends that people convey preferences that differ to what they genuinely want or believe. Individuals frequently withhold their opinions to what they consider is socially acceptable. The phenomenon, according to T. Koran in « Private Truths, Public Lies », is widespread and has huge social and political consequences. A person who hides his/her discontent with a social, religious or political policy makes it difficult for others to express their hidden discontent. n.b. H.C. Anderson : Nobody, at first at least, dared say the Emperor had no clothes! ☺️ A consequence of Preference Falsification is apparent widespread public support for social options which would be decisively rejected in a vote with a secret ballot. This could help explain why major political revolutions catch politicians by surprise, when they are too far out of touch with ‘ordinary’ people. And why highly verbally, even physically violent minorities who do express themselves can deform political decisions and radically lead to changes in society which the vast majority do not want... « The only thing necessary for evil to exist is for good people to remain silent... Edmund Burke (1729-1797) - English statesman: ,
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
-
John Gray is an author I have read in the past. This piece is interesting because liberalism has become a tradition I value perhaps because the Marxist body of thought I have come to see as less attractive because of its authoritarian quality in how it is engaged 2024. My contact with academic discourses has been shaped my Michel Foucault and Jacques Derrida, along with others. Their work I explored eagerly but now many cite their work very differently from what I saw them arguing over decades. The video clip of Grey offers a helpful discussion of how liberalism can relate to this post structuralist and post modern contribution where Gray’s comments on political discourses are reasons to read him again. The closing comments are insightful in how the bizarre turn of progressive/woke thought and practice can be followed by a creativity that is practical, tolerant, and offers integrity. I don’t link with the anti-empirical flavour of what is shared in discourses which seem intolerant and illiberal while claiming to value lived experience. It is not a return to a past liberalism that I value, rather a way of expressing liberal values in a balanced way.
John Gray: Thoughts after liberalism
https://www.youtube.com/
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Happy birthday to #FoundingFather Charles Thomson! 🎂 ❤️ 🤍 💙 Charles Thomson was an Irish-born patriot leader from Philadelphia and the secretary for the entirety of the Continental Congress. Thomson prepared the Journals of the Continental Congress, so he got to choose what was included. Charles Thomson is also known for his translation of the Bible’s Old Testament, a translation of the Greek Septuagint version into English, an incredibly rare and took him 19 years to do (with little to no help from other scholars). He was also the co-designer of the Great Seal of the United States and add its Latin mottoes: Annuit cœptis and Novus ordo seclorum. As he was responsible for the Great Seal, he kept the seal in his custody throughout the transition of the Confederation to the new United States Federal Government. He was there to staff the sessions of the United States Senate sessions accordingly, while still signing paperwork with the title of Secretary of Congress, awaiting either the confirmation as Secretary or until another was appointed. He ultimately didn’t receive the appointment, so he surrendered the Great Seal and his official papers. Despite the ultimate choice to not appoint Thomson, he was still elected by the Senate to go to the home of George Washington and notify him that he had been elected the president of the Untied States. He brought Washington to New York for his inauguration. There were only two signatures on the first printing of the United States Declaration of Independence: John Hancock and Charles Thomson. #america #patriot #foundingfathers #declarationofindependence #americanrevolution #ushistory #americathebeautiful #politics #democracy #elections #political #happybirthday #pennslyvannia
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Check out this thought-provoking article shedding light on the experience of African American conservatives. Whether you're interested in political discourse or simply seeking to broaden your understanding, this article is a must-read. Dive into the conversation now! #us #unitedstates #policy #government
Liberty Expose: The Experience Of African American Conservatives — Modern Treatise
moderntreatise.com
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
#politics #unitedstates #NobelPrize The political acrimony between the Federalist John Adams, George Washington’s vice president, and the Democrat-Republican Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State, the former who described United States of America as a country of laws and not men, and the latter legitimately and prophetically concerned about the prospects of the survival of the Revolution because of government tyranny was the first deeply partisan election in the nation’s history to the great disappointment of George Washington, the committed non-partisan, who did not mince words in his Farewell Address setting an example of leadership for all presidents since. Then came the first Republican president Abraham Lincoln’s 1860-61 election which produced the Civil War because of the abject failure of civility by domestic militancy. If Donald Trump and JD Vance are to succeed, not the endless irrational and undignified politics of revenge but non-partisan conversation in reason, every elected official speaking their mind and voting their conscience as thinking individuals, Rule # 110 in Washington’s book, Rules of Civility https://lnkd.in/eHu9CcAy, is ultimately what is going to save the country and the world. The perfect storm we are in: https://lnkd.in/erZYnC3Z. What to do about it? https://lnkd.in/eFjkHf6n. The midterm election at 250, in 2026, will be the show and tell if United States of America can found itself again in the mold of 1776. Sign this for September 24th Summit of the Future in Manhattan António Guterres. #sustainability. What is it? A primer: https://lnkd.in/eJQvnCa8. #OurCommonFuture https://lnkd.in/eaZe52sD. Vulcan Love 🖖❤️
America the Weird
thefp.com
To view or add a comment, sign in
More from this author
-
War rooms and bailouts: How banks and the Fed are preparing for a US default – and the chaos expected to follow
The Conversation US 1y -
AI is exciting – and an ethical minefield: 4 essential reads on the risks and concerns about this technology
The Conversation US 1y -
Yellen puts Congress on notice over impending debt default date: 5 essential reads on what’s at stake
The Conversation US 1y