In his work “The Prince,” Machiavelli offers advice on ruling and conquering states. He provides a clear guide on acquiring principalities and effectively maintaining control over them, while also analyzing the pros and cons of different paths to conquest. Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of strong arms and discusses strategies for holding onto power. Additionally, he suggests that humans are easily influenced and have simple minds.
According to Machiavelli, individuals who control and guide others do so because of their superior intellect, as he believes that all people desire to be controlled. In Ecclesiastical Principalities, discussed in chapter eleven, Machiavelli explores the strengths and weaknesses of this particular type of principality. Ecclesiastical Principalities are acquired through virtue or fortune and rely on historical practices and religious rules. In this distinct scenario, the state is under the control of the Prince but is heavily influenced by the church.
Machiavelli argues that Ecclesiastical Principalities are unique because they solely possess states without defending them and have subjects without governing them. Despite being ungoverned, the states under these principalities remain indifferent and cannot become estranged from their rulers. This essay aims to examine Machiavelli’s assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of Ecclesiastical principalities as well as the ways in which they differ from other types of principalities. Prior to Alexander VI, the church was not highly regarded in matters concerning worldly affairs.
Despite this, the Pope and the Venetians were feared by all other powers in Italy. The quarrelling between the Orsini and the Colonna was attributed by all powers in Italy as the reason for the church’s weakness and powerlessness. This, in turn, hinders the emergence of Ecclesiastical Principalities. Hence, the example of the Orsini and the Colonna highlights the weakness of Ecclesiastical Principalities when it comes to military strength. Although Machiavelli acknowledges the importance of arms, the excessive violence employed by the Orsini and the Colonna undermines the reputation of the church.
Consequently, the church’s confidence is diminished due to a lack of consensus on their fundamental practices, impeding the growth of Ecclesiastical Principalities. However, it is the church’s use of force that has elevated its influence. Machiavelli suggests that Moses relied on armed power to ensure obedience to his laws, eliminating those who turned to worship the golden calf while he was absent, engrossed in divine conversation.
According to Machiavelli, the elimination of the unfaithful is a crucial principle, while Moses establishes dominance and instills fear in his easily persuaded subjects, leading to the prosperity of Ecclesiastical Principalities. In summary, arms can be both an advantage and a vulnerability for Ecclesiastical Principalities, serving solely for their acquisition and fueled by fear and heredity. The strength of Ecclesiastical Principalities lies in their hereditary foundation, which facilitates their development.
This principality follows traditional practices that have become associated with religion. Machiavelli advocates for the inheritance of power when he states that “a prudent man must always follow the paths of great men and imitate those who have excelled the most.” Moses serves as an example of this by obeying God’s word and governing God’s people according to the established precedent set by the Lord. Machiavelli also believes that hereditary succession allows Ecclesiastical Principalities to endure because humans resist new orders. Introducing new orders is exceptionally challenging, uncertain in its outcome, and risky to handle. The historical presence of God attracts many individuals to Ecclesiastical Principalities as it provides a sense of rootedness and security. Additionally, emulating the achievements of past rulers is crucial because “even if one’s own virtue falls short, at least they will be associated with it”. Pope Jullius exemplifies this concept by following in the footsteps of Alexander VI and employing innovative methods involving finances and weapons to enhance the status of the church.
The preservation of Ecclesiastical Principalities is also supported by fear. Individuals adhere to religious beliefs out of fear of the consequences if they were to no longer believe. Moses effectively induces fear by ruthlessly eliminating those who lose faith in him. The individuals spared by Moses express gratitude for their safety, while the harmed ones remain weak and too terrified to revolt. Machiavelli implies that all individuals desire to be governed and directed. In the absence of direct guidance, humans are fearful about their existence outside the realm of Ecclesiastical Principalities.
Fear also served as a means of dominance for Remirro, as he strategically placed a mutilated corpse in the center of town square to astonish the people. This instilled fear of the Prince’s cruel nature, resulting in obedience. This pattern is observed in various types of principalities. Initially, Machiavelli perceives Ecclesiastical Principalities as distinct due to their unique characteristics – they possess states without defending them, govern subjects without actively exerting control, and these ungoverned states remain indifferent. However, as the chapter progresses, it becomes evident that Ecclesiastical Principalities share similarities with other principalities. The use of force is vital in governing and establishing control over the population. Fear serves as a potent tool for Ecclesiastical Principalities in maintaining authority over subjects. Moreover, hereditary succession enhances the credibility of Ecclesiastical Principalities, as continuity in religious practices fosters a sense of attachment to the principality.
Ecclesiastical principalities are distinct from other principalities due to the inability of humans to fully understand the divine power that governs them. These principalities are described as being “happy and secure” because humans lack the mental capacity to question the influence of religion. The majority of individuals struggle to bridge the gap between the physical and spiritual aspects of life, leading them to be convinced by a higher intellect to embrace the principles of religion and establish an Ecclesiastical Principality. Ultimately, Ecclesiastical Principalities endure because they extend beyond practicality.
Ecclesiastical Principalities are distinguished from other principalities by their arms, ability to instill fear, and emphasis on hereditary succession. However, what sets them apart even more is the fact that the rules and laws imposed by the Prince also serve as the moral compass for the people. Going against these laws is like disregarding one’s own values and morals. As a result, Ecclesiastical Princes have exclusive ownership of states without having to defend or govern them. Furthermore, their subjects cannot and do not even consider becoming estranged from the Prince due to society’s adherence to these principles.
References
The Prince is a book written by Niccolo Machiavelli and edited by Harvey C. Mansfield. It was published in 1998 by the University of Chicago in both Chicago and London.
