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The Western Canon Mailing List
Moderator: Paul John Barnette Jr.
Activation Date: March 8, 1997
Current Date:  August 11, 1997
Current Membership: 98
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> As a possible afterthought, one may ask if it is possible to lead any
> large institution without being just a little bit Machiavellian. 
> Certainly, our Founding Fathers were as was Lincoln.  Aren't we glad
> they used means that were "unjust" when the end was the creation &
> security of the Union?
> Pete Thigpen   

As Machiavelli has given many examples demonstrating his points perhaps
Pete Thigpen can show what specific actions of the Founding Fathers and
Lincoln were "Machiavellian". Reading the Prince I find the ascription a
difficult one to accept. Let us decide by scrutiny the truth of the matter.

> Is it possible we get so angry with Machiavelli because he was so
> straight forward & direct about the way the world works. 

Only one reason for anger at what Machiavelli said can be justified:
if we decide that he is wrong. Certainly not because he is straight
forward & direct in giving us his understanding about the way the
world works. That he plainly states the actions of rulers in their
manner of obtaining and maintaining political power does not in itself
make his views right or wrong. Only his judgment concerning their
actions as just or unjust can be considered right or wrong. 

David Romero

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