Moral Hierarchy – Mencius places universal virtues like humanity and the "Way" above pragmatic concerns, while Machiavelli subordinates traditional morality to the higher principle of the state’s survival.
You have just read the following English passage from The Prince (Machiavelli) and Mencius A417:
“And you have to understand this, that a prince, especially a new one, cannot observe all those things for which men are esteemed, being often forced, in order to maintain the state, to act contrary to fidelity, friendship, humanity, and religion. Therefore it is necessary for him to have a mind ready to turn itself accordingly as the winds and variations of fortune force it, yet, as I have said above, not to diverge from the good if he can avoid doing so, but, if compelled, then to know how to set about it.”
Task
Use only the three comparison headings below, write a brief analysis (1 sentence per heading) that explains how the two thinkers differ on each point.
Write your analysis in clear, concise English.
1. Core value – Machiavelli emphasizes that a prince should prioritize the maintenance of the state, even acting contrary to traditional virtues when necessary, while Mencius centers on the ruler’s cultivation of benevolence (ren) and adherence to moral principles to govern virtuously.
2. Means & Ends – For Machiavelli, the end of state survival justifies employing morally questionable means if needed, whereas Mencius holds that moral means (upholding righteousness and benevolence) are integral to achieving the end of a harmonious and just society.
3. Moral Hierarchy – Machiavelli ranks pragmatism and the state’s survival above traditional virtues like fidelity and humanity, while Mencius places virtue (especially benevolence) and adherence to the “Way” (Dao) at the top, viewing propriety and moral principles as foundational to good governance.
Core Argument of the Machiavelli Passage
Machiavelli’s argument is built on a stark separation between private morality and public necessity.
1. The Primacy of "Stato" (The State): The ultimate goal is to "maintain the state." All other considerations—fidelity, friendship, humanity, religion—are secondary to this primary political objective. The survival and strength of the principality are the supreme values.
2. The Justification of Immorality: A ruler, "especially a new one," is often forced to act contrary to conventional virtues. Machiavelli does not necessarily celebrate this; he presents it as a grim necessity of the political arena. For him, a leader who insists on being always good amidst so many who are not good will inevitably lose power.
3. Flexibility as the Key Virtue: The essential quality for a prince is a "mind ready to turn itself" with the "winds and variations of fortune." This is not mere opportunism but a calculated and necessary adaptability. The true skill lies in knowing when and how to employ both good and evil actions effectively.
4. A Conditional Preference for Goodness: The famous Machiavellian caveat: "not to diverge from the good if he can avoid doing so, but, if compelled, then to know how to set about it." Goodness is a preferable option, but it is a luxury that must be abandoned without hesitation when necessity demands. The emphasis is always on the effective result, not the moral quality of the action itself.
To complete the comparative analysis:
1. Core value
Mencius centers on benevolence (ren) as the non-negotiable core for rulers to act morally, while Machiavelli prioritizes state survival as the ruler’s primary guide for action.
2. Means & Ends
Mencius holds that moral means (virtuous conduct) must align with moral ends (governing for the people’s good), whereas Machiavelli argues that state survival (the end) justifies abandoning moral means (e.g., fidelity, humanity) when necessary.
3. Moral Hierarchy
Mencius ranks virtue and the “Way” (moral principles) above pragmatism, but Machiavelli places state survival (pragmatism) above traditional virtues (like benevolence) or ethical principles.
1. Core value: Mencius centers on "benevolence (ren)" as the ruler’s inherent moral duty, while Machiavelli prioritizes state survival over virtuous conduct.
2. Means & Ends: Mencius insists virtuous means must align with moral ends, but Machiavelli allows unvirtuous means if forced to secure the state.
3. Moral Hierarchy: Mencius ranks the "Way" (moral virtue) above all, whereas Machiavelli elevates state survival (pragmatism) over traditional virtue.
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