Monarchy or Democracy? Sovereign or Minion? Does man make society evil, or is man made evil by society? Two philosophers so precise in their work yet so opposite their beliefs helped mold the criteria of human society. Through intricate steps and improbable ideas, two men showed us both organized society and complete tyranny. And for what reason, Machiavelli’s “Prince” stated what worked to get ‘ultimate’ power through observing the actions of others before him, and also through the understanding of human nature (or the way he saw it). On the other hand, Rousseau’s “Social Contract” explained to us how to cultivate society, to fight evil brought about by society, and make a livable community. But one question still stands, where does each man stand on the “might makes right” aspect of human nature? When is resorting to might acceptable? And when might is used, does it m
Later, during the Enlightenment, a new idea of politics came to light. Assembled by a man named of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Rousseau formed an elaborate form of democracy where people come together and sacrifice certain rights for the better of themselves and the community. His book “The Social Contract” created a society with a populace, also known as the Sovereign, which helped decide laws, vote for a legislator, and determine a General Will.
The concept of “might makes right” is found all throughout Machiavelli’s “Prince”. If you can put down the people or be stronger than the people you can control the people. Whatever you need to do to win, do it, because the more you win the more powerful you become. If you must kill the existing royal family to insure your safety, might makes right. If you have to slaughter a few dozen civilians to make an example out of them, might mak