Book & Review Forums: The 50th Law
I'm out - Machiavelli quote did it.
I've been reading this sporadically and been on the fence about it. I just found this in an earlier excerpt I had overlooked. I think I'll move on to a more worthy work.
Was there really not a different quote that could have conveyed the same idea without implying the necessity to dominate women? Am I overreacting?
IN MY VIEW ... IT IS BETTER TO BE IMPETUOUS THAN CAUTIOUS, BECAUSE FORTUNE IS A WOMAN, AND IF YOU WISH TO DOMINATE HER YOU MUST BEAT HER AND BATTER HER. IT IS CLEAR THAT SHE WILL LET HERSELF BE WON BY MEN WHO ARE IMPETUOUS RATHER THAN BY THOSE WHO STEP CAUTIOUSLY.
– Niccolò Machiavelli
Replies (3)
Posted by
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My first thought in seeing this topic to this was to try and enter into a discussion of Machiavelli himself and whether one should view his works as a textbook for manipulation and deceit or whether his works carried a deeper hidden message.
But then, as I was unfamiliar with the book that carried the quote, I looked up what it was about and who wrote it.
It is perhaps unfair to judge a 15th century quote using 21st century morals. However, depending on the context, it certainly seems tasteless to use it to make a point in this day and age.Jan 11, 2010 11:19 am
by cresswga -
I'm sorry! This is a book that are based on historic philosophers, and their work.
It doesnt make much sense of judging historic pieces by our modern moral, and ways of living.
I havent read the entire "50th Law". But I have read the actual book (The Prince) from Machiavelli. And i have too admit, many of his thoughts and views doesnt fit our current morality set. But its really interesting reading, and alot of it makes sense, although you might not agree.
You dont dont turn off the TV, while there is a terrible disaster, even though you dont like it. (i.e 9/11). You watch it, and make your thoughs about it. Good or bad.Oct 9, 2011 8:56 am
by Fadeoff -
machiavelli's prince instructs on the conduct of a prince and to judge his quotes and teaching according to the 21st century standards is unfair. but yes it would have been a lot nicer if he used some other metaphor because there is absolutely no lack of such cynics who would use this quote to prove that to dominate women is the right thing to do.
Oct 12, 2011 1:55 am
by anisha_astrologer
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