niccolò machiavelli the wisdom of niccolo machiavelli

And this work I have not set forth either with elegancy of discourse or stile, nor with any other ornament whereby to captivate the reader, as others use, because I would not have it gain its esteem from elsewhere than from the truth of the matter, and the gravity of the subject. And, however I may well think this work unworthy of your view yet such is your humanity, that I doubt not but it shall find acceptance, considering, that for my part I am not able to tender a greater gift, than to present you with the means, whereby in a very short time you may be able to understand all that, which I, in the space of many years, and with many sufferances and dangers, have made proof and gaind the knowledge of. Which, now that I have with great diligence long workt it out, and throughly sifted, I commend to your Magnificence. Having then a mind to offer up my self to your Magnificence, with some testimony of my service to you, I found nothing in my whole inventory, that I think better of, or more esteeme, than the knowlege of great mens actions, which I have learned by a long experience of modern affairs, and a continual reading of those of the ancients.

They that desire to ingratiate themselves with a Prince, commonly use to offer themselves to his view, with things of that nature as such persons take most pleasure and delight in: whereupon we see they are many times presented with Horses and Armes, cloth of gold, pretious stones, and such like ornaments, worthy of their greatness. To the Magnificent Laurence sonne to Peter of Medicis health.

Manufactured in the United States of Americaĭiscourses on the First Decade of Titus Livius Start Publishing is a registered trademark of Start Publishing LLC All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.įirst Start Publishing eBook edition October 2012

Niccolò machiavelli the wisdom of niccolo machiavelli