Essay Topics About Machiavelli

Essay Topics About MachiavelliWriting a top-notch essay topic about Machiavelli can be difficult, especially if you are not familiar with the author of the classic work. To help make your essay topic about Machiavelli more interesting, I have created an outline of his life and times. From his first writing experience to his life as a political prisoner, to his writing on political power, this outline will help you make it more interesting to read.After completing his work De Profundis (written 1493), Machiavelli and his fellow conspirators in The Discourses in Eight Books wrote their first collection of essays, titled The Speeches and Sentences of Sereno Villanelli, later popularly known as The Discourses of Sereno. The Discourses was the first work of literature that focuses solely on the art of writing. In the Discourses, Machiavelli tried to make sense of a world that he had seen for himself. The Discourses attempts to strip away the vagueness of political situations and describe clearly the actions and decisions of political leaders. In doing so, it gives us insight into the actions of great men.Later works such as the Treatise of the Wise Man of Venice and the Lives of the Damned are based on the Discourses. The Treatise is based on the early life of Machiavelli, from his youth in the Court of Prince Alexander V to his participation in the scheming against Gaius. The Lives of the Damned describes his life as a political prisoner and captures his character, personality, and principles. These two texts are considered essential works in the study of Machiavelli's life.From the very beginning, Machiavelli showed his writer's how important he considered his writings and treatises to be. He established a format for the Discourses, making them available as editions in a variety of formats, from regular books to leather-bound hardbacks. His own first writing guide, The Art of Writing, is still widely accepted as one of the most respected guidelines for writers.Man y people look for essays topic about Machiavelli to find out why he made such a mistake in his political dealings. While some of his behavior in his early life has to be understood and explained, more commonly students ask why Machiavelli ever became a political leader. The answer is simple: politics is all about who gets the most money and the most influence. And that is just the way Machiavelli saw it. He was an opportunist and wanted to make the most of his position.For those who want to know what motivated Machiavelli to become a political leader, they should look at his attitude towards Rome during the Renaissance. After Italy fell to Pippin and the Medici family, Rome was threatened by the new rising powers in Florence. Machiavelli wanted the power and influence that Rome offered, and to him the idea of opening trade and working with the other city states seemed like a good idea. For Machiavelli, politics was a series of incremental steps, and although political power and infl uence would be the ultimate goal, he viewed each step as a stepping stone towards victory.Now that you have learned a little more about essay topics about Machiavelli, consider reading a book or two. If you're still interested in his life and works, consider taking a course on political philosophy, his influence on political thought, and the history of political thought.