Ingratitude and Suspicion in Republics

The text analyzes why republics sometimes treat their great citizens with ingratitude, contrasting Rome's relative leniency with Athens' harshness, and advises princes and captains on how to avoid or survive such treatment.

The chapter discusses how republics often treat their great citizens with ingratitude, as seen in the exile of Camillus and the suspicion toward Scipio, and how this can be a danger to liberty.

The nobles' suspicion of the plebeian dictator and the ensuing accusations reflect the ingratitude and distrust that can destabilize a republic.

The chapter discusses how suspicion against powerful citizens (like Coriolanus, Valori, Soderini) can destabilize a republic if not channeled through lawful accusations.

Manlius's calumny exploits popular suspicion and ingratitude toward Camillus, showing how envy and distrust can destabilize a republic.