The Discourses Chapter Summary & Analysis - Book Three, The Example of Rome's Great Men, Internal Security, Equanimity, Insurrection, Confidence, Electioneering, and the Tendering of Advice, Advice to Generals in the Field Summary

Book Three, The Example of Rome's Great Men, Internal Security, Equanimity, Insurrection, Confidence, Electioneering, and the Tendering of Advice, Advice to Generals in the Field Summary and Analysis

Sections 24-30 deal with internal security. Machiavelli argues that extensive military commands made Rome servile. In some cases, the poverty of many Roman farmers led them to think themselves great leaders, like Cincinnatus. Women have often brought downfall to states. Unity can be brought to a divided city to kill the ringleaders of the opposition or banish them. Reconciliation is the worst strategy.

Strict watch should be kept over citizen activities, because tyranny often arises from supposed good works because ingratiating one's self to the people makes them more content to give up their liberties. The faults of people are typically the result of petty princes. Citizens who want to use their authority to do constructive works in a republic must eliminate or reduce envy, and provisions that are used to defend a city from attack should not be given directly to citizens.

Sections 31-35 analyze a number of...
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