Discourses on Livy · Question
How does Discourses on Livy develop the theme of Virtù and Fortune?
Answer
Discourses on Livy by Niccolò Machiavelli develops Virtù and Fortune across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Machiavelli explores how human excellence (virtù) interacts with fortune, arguing that successful leaders and republics must adapt their methods to the changing times, as illustrated by the contrasting approaches of Fabius Maximus and Scipio.
The dedication emphasizes personal merit and virtue over fortune or inherited position, as seen in the contrast between Hiero and Perseus.
Machiavelli argues that a founder's virtù (skill, strength, wisdom) can overcome fortune, as seen in Romulus and Numa, but that fortune also plays a role in the rise and fall of states.
The founder's capacity (virtù) and the city's fortune are linked; Rome's virtue was maintained through strict laws despite fertile conditions.
Evidence in the book
- Dedication
The dedication emphasizes personal merit and virtue over fortune or inherited position, as seen in the contrast between Hiero and Perseus.
- Book I
Machiavelli argues that a founder's virtù (skill, strength, wisdom) can overcome fortune, as seen in Romulus and Numa, but that fortune also plays a role in the rise and fall of states.
- Chapter I: The Necessity of Renewal in Republics and Sects
The founder's capacity (virtù) and the city's fortune are linked; Rome's virtue was maintained through strict laws despite fertile conditions.
- Chapter II: That on occasion it is wise to feign folly
Rome's success is attributed to 'Fortune' and a series of accidents, yet also to the prudent response of its institutions, blending chance with wise adaptation.
- IV
Machiavelli links virtuous actions to wise laws born from tumults, suggesting that good fortune and military prowess stem from underlying order and training.
- IX
Cleomenes's failure is attributed to the power of the Macedonians and the weakness of other Greek states, illustrating the role of fortune in thwarting virtuous plans.
- That a captain cannot escape battle when his enemy forces it on him at all risks
The chapter argues that good emperors relied on their own good lives and the goodwill of subjects (virtù), while bad emperors depended on armies and fortune, which failed them.
- XII
The decay of religion leads to loss of virtue and unity, making Italy vulnerable to foreign domination.
