This public radio story describes the life and misfortunes of Niccolo Machiavelli, a citizen of Florence who led the fight against its takeover by the Medici family, and was banished from his beloved city. His single work of nonfiction, the manual The Prince, was published five years after his death, in 1532, and has guaranteed that this civil servant erased by the Medicis would live forever, famous—or infamous—for the advice he gives to rulers in his work. Was Machiavelli really recommending ruthless practicality for rulers? Or is his philosophy more subtle and moral than people think?
Story Length: 5:00
WBUR
02/20/2013
https://app.listenwise.com/students/lessons/138-new-discoveries-on-the-prince-by-machiavelli-was-he-really-machiavellian
Why did Machiavelli oppose the Medicis?
What was Professor Steven Milner researching in Florence when he discovered the new information about Machiavelli?
How might Machiavelli’s life story and experiences influence how we interpret "The Prince" today?
How did being a civil servant help to shape Machiavelli's political perspectives?
What does Professor Milner mean when he says that Machiavelli's misfortune is our fortune? Explain with evidence from the audio story.
