Machiavelli's Insights on Leadership and Fortune

These flashcards cover key concepts from Machiavelli's insights on leadership, prudence, and the balance between fortune and human capability.

Janus

The Roman god depicted with two faces, symbolizing looking to the past and the future.

Prudence

Wisdom that comes from past experience, present judgment, and future foresight.

Parsimony

The virtue of careful spending and avoiding waste.

Liberalità

Generosity; Machiavelli warns that rulers should avoid wasteful generosity to maintain stability.

Fortuna

Fortune; represents chance and instability, influencing half of human affairs according to Machiavelli.

Virtù

Human ability, boldness, courage, and practical skill; essential for navigating the challenges of Fortuna.

The Conflict between Fortuna and Poverty

An illustration from Boccaccio showing that those deprived of worldly goods have an advantage over fortune.

Machiavelli's Core Framing

Fortuna controls half of human affairs while the rest is shaped by virtù; rulers must confront and master fortune.

Coins and treasures

Symbols of wealth that spill at a ruler's feet, illustrating the consequences of wasteful generosity.

Aldreana Alcaceita

An artistic representation relating Machiavelli's ideas of Fortuna and virtù in leadership.