Machiavelli and Charlemagne

Machiavelli provides the theoretical blueprint for such a leader, and Einhard and Notker provide the details of the life and achievements of one specific leader who certainly fulfilled many of the requirements of that blueprint. For example, especially significant in both books is the skill and boldness of the leader in military affairs. As Thorpe writes in his Introduction to the biographies, "From . . . 768 until . . . 810, the reign of Charlemagne was one long and never-ending series of warlike enterprises." This is a manifestation of precisely what Machiavelli says should

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Einhard remains a stiff figure," while Notker's Charlemagne "seems to live before our eyes." Despite these contrasts, both Notker's and Einhard's Charlemagne are examples of leadership which Machiavelli would have heartily approved. Machiavelli himself wrote The Prince in response to the instability of late 15th century Florentine society: "He saw the collapse of the Medici" and "witnessed the strife of the Florentine factions." He "realized for powerful government based on internal unity." His own relatively unsuccessful and ineffective diplomatic career must have intensified his frustration with the leadership of his land. The Prince is a book of recommendations meant to guide leaders to remedy the instability in his own and other lands. His personal and professional experience certainly qualify him to write this book. In delineating different requirements of leadership for different kinds of states, Machiavelli is concerned only with the maintenance of power, rather than with any ethical consideration. His ideas on and recommendations for the political and military leader are rooted in the preeminence of power over all other considerations. Machiavelli, based on the ideas in this book, would have honored Hitler, Franklin
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Approximate Word count = 1419
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page)