Discourses on Livy · Question
How does Discourses on Livy develop the theme of Religion as a Political Instrument?
Answer
Discourses on Livy by Niccolò Machiavelli develops Religion as a Political Instrument across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The text demonstrates how Roman leaders used religious observances, auspices, and fear of the gods to maintain order, inspire soldiers, and manipulate the populace for political and military ends.
Numa's introduction of religion is praised as essential for maintaining order and obedience in the republic, showing religion as a tool for political control.
Numa used religion to discipline the army, unite the people, and maintain order; oaths were more binding than laws.
Machiavelli emphasizes that rulers should maintain religious rites and even support false miracles to keep the populace virtuous and united.
Evidence in the book
- Book I
Numa's introduction of religion is praised as essential for maintaining order and obedience in the republic, showing religion as a tool for political control.
- XI
Numa used religion to discipline the army, unite the people, and maintain order; oaths were more binding than laws.
- XII
Machiavelli emphasizes that rulers should maintain religious rites and even support false miracles to keep the populace virtuous and united.
- XIII
The chapter demonstrates how Roman nobles used religion—portents, oracles, oaths, and feigned prophecies—to achieve political and military objectives.
- XIV
The Romans used auspices to instill confidence in soldiers and justify necessary actions, even manipulating or disregarding them while maintaining a show of piety.
- XV
The Samnites use religion and oaths to instill courage in their soldiers, showing how religion can be wielded for political and military ends.
- LVI
Machiavelli examines how portents and prophecies are used to foretell or justify political calamities.
- Chapter II: That on occasion it is wise to feign folly
Machiavelli criticizes the 'false interpretations' of Christianity that promote passivity and indolence, weakening the love of freedom and capacity for defense.
