Gladiator
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The actions of realists and liberals often demonstrate the contrast in the relative importance of power and values held by each. The actions of a realist, like the corrupt prince Commodus, often exhibit the core philosophy of realists, might makes right. When Commodus acts, such as killing Maximus’ family and dooming him to bondage, his actions come from his belief that the ends (him keeping power) justify the means (corrupt actions). We see in Machiavelli’s The Prince that this belief is well suited to heads of state. Commodus’ actions are often clever but dishonest. He deceives others to retain power. However, his actions serve to undermine his support from the people because they alienate him from their affection. Thus, Commodus’ actions represent realism but do not achieve a significant aspect of leadership for heads of state that Machiavelli maintains is of paramount importance. As Machiavelli writes, “the best fortress is to be found in the love of the people, for although you may have fortresses they will not save you if you are hated by the people” (81). We see a much more complete example of the kind of leadership prescribed by Machiavelli in the actions of the rational, aristocratic Gracchus, a Roman senator who declares: “I may not be of the people, but I certainly am for the people” (Scott).Commodus’ actions no know morality. He helps hasten the death of his father, Emperor Marcus Aurelius, because
. . .
esourcefulness. Courage. Devotion. But none of my virtues were on your list” (Scott).
Commodus’ actions are effective at winning power, but they lose him the favor of those governed. Eventually Commodus comes to understand this and challenges Maximus in what he knows will more than likely result in his death, “The general who became a slave. The slave who became a gladiator. The gladiator who defied an emperor. Striking story! But now, the people want to know how the story ends. Only a famous death will do” (Scott). Even at this point we see that Commodus is led by public opinion as opposed to setting it through his leadership. In this action of his, we see the smack of a typical Hollywood ending. In reality, it is far more likely Commodus would continue to use might to maintain power and simply have Maximus killed as opposed to risking being killed and losing his position in a conflict with a slave.
LIBERALISM
The core value underlying the liberal perspective is right makes right. The state and its ruler do not act in a vacuum. Marcus Aurelius and Maximus clearly understand this whereas Commodus does not. This is why Marcus Aurelius understands the importance of grooming Maximus to be head of state as opposed to
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1921
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page)
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