Machiavelli's Idea of a Makeover

Machiavelli gives much insight to the rulers of Florence on how to rule as a prince, yet he also tells them how not to rule. Have you ever seen TLC’s show What Not To Wear? 

It’s kinda like that. They give an individual a complete makeover, helping her pick out clothes that are best suited for her body type yet they focus more so on what she should not be wearing (nope, those polka dotted boots DO NOT match your leopard print pants). Why do they do this? It’s a heck of a lot more interesting and the makover-ee gains a lot more. I think that was Machiavelli’s approach when writing The Prince, this guide for ruling dedicated to Lorenzo de’ Medici. In chapter 15, he starts off by saying that he “knows many have written on this subject” yet he is going to write about it in a different way with a different approach-or give this topic a “makeover”.

Much that Machiavelli talks about in these excerpts is how a Prince needs to learn concepts that are tricky. Some examples below are that a prince must learn:

1) to be other than good, and “to use or not to use his goodness as necessity requires” (page 1)

2) to handle the disapproval of not possessing all positive qualities-for Machiavelli states that it is impossible and “against the conditions of human nature” for someone to be perfect (although the bar is set that high for princes)  (page 2)

3) to balance being merciful-show mercy yet still maintain enough power to keep your kingdom in order

4) to inspire fear-and kill when there is a just reason, yet refrain from taking another’s property.

All these things are about balance; learn how to be good-but also cruel, show mercy-but not too much, exert power-yet just enough to maintain control, be loved-yet more so feared. A balance is what will make a successful ruler. He draws this strong connection between subjects and rulers; the way a prince is perceived is based on the manner in which he maintains control. It is interesting how being feared it not completely negative; rather it is hatred that a prince “must do his best to escape”.

So where does that leave the show What Not To Wear? Am I really stretching it by connecting this political philosophy to a modern day TV show? Well, if you have actually seen the show you would know that Stacy and Clinton (the hosts) help people discover a new sense of personal style rooted in what they love. In one episode a women absolutely loved the color purple, and would only wear purple shirts and pants. Stacy and Clinton showed her that there is an in between- she can still wear purple yet in moderation. It was about balance. They interact with people who hate the way they look and feel and help inspire the best within them, showing them how dressing better transmits into feeling better. Both Stacy and Clinton and Machiavelli condemn hatred, whether it be towards yourself or regarding a prince in Florence. So maybe us non-princes can also learn a little something from Machiavelli’s The Prince?