The Portable Machiavelli

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Edited and translated by Peter Bondanella and Mark Musa, “The Portable Machiavelli” not only gives the casual reader a chance to read different personal and professional works of Machiavelli, but also strives to do away with many of the myths that have plagued the man’s posthumous fame. For example, the famous “the ends justifies the means” quote is actually a gross exaggeration of what Machiavelli originally wrote, which was “in the actions of all men…when there is no impartial arbiter, one must consider the final result.” The biggest counterargument Bondanella and Musa can supply is the simple fact that they include a less famous piece Machiavelli did called “The Discourses.” This piece is often not mentioned or even casually footnoted because it presents the true Machiavelli – a man who was supportive of a Republic government run by the citizens. Any one who believes Machiavelli is a supporter of despots will be surprised to read him speaking in support for fair and public trials and a balance of power between rulers and their people.

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