The Price and Profit of Poverty

What I found particularly interesting from this reading in the Discourses was Machiavelli's discussion of the usefulness of poverty in several different contexts. Ordinarilly, my first instinct is to see poverty as a negative consequence of human behaviors however Machiavelli justifies its existence as a positive force in a republic. I am not persuaded by Machiavelli's reasoning but I do see some logic in it. In chapter 16, he discusses the true ability as undesirable in times of tranquillity in comparison to men with wealth and or family connections. He suggests that in order for reputable men to take their proper station, times of war must be prolonged or that "keeping the citizens poor so that they cannot corrupt either themselves or others with riches" are two possible remedies.

Once again, I understand what he is saying but I do think that modern society is more complex than this. Also in chapter 25, in talking about poverty of Roman citizens he says: "the avenue to whatever rank or office you wished to obtain was not closed to you on the basis of your wealth , and that Ability was sought after in whatever home she lived". Machiavelli sees poverty as an equalizing force by which wealth and family connections are removed from societal position placement. This may be a generalization of what he is saying but I can not go much further into it in this blog post. Briefly though, I do agree with the importance of frugality and contentment that Machiavelli see in Cincinnatus and other Romans in times of poverty but since terms such as poverty and wealth are relative, I think a strong middle class can fill that place in today's society. I can not help resist however seeing modern parallels in leaders who are chosen by wealth and family connections during peace time who were then "thrust" (or perhaps premeditated) into war.