I
think the most outrageous statement that Machiavelli wrote was; “In conclusion,
the arms of others either fall from your back, or they weigh you down, or they
bind you fast.”
This
statement really struck me because I very strongly disagree with this.
Contrarily, I can also see the truth behind it. Many people use people, hurt
them or leave them when they no longer benefit them. In Machiavelli own words,
“Of mankind we may say in general they are fickle, hypocritical, and greedy of
gain.” But I am still a strong believe that people who love you and who you
love back will build you up not tare you down so I believe Machiavelli was
wrong. I think he is wrong because not ALL people will desert you, weigh you
down or bind you. Many people, especially in the LDS church, set out each day
to serve and love those around them. They love all those who come into their
lives and treat them with respect. There are also many people who may not quite
be to this point but aspire everyday to be more Christ-like.
Machiavelli’s
philosophy definitely applies today to all the many self-centered people who
inhabit this world today. Especially with the rising materialistic trends in
the world today people often forget the people they love and replace them with
things they buy. Luckily there are still people who are good, kind and honest
in this world. So Machiavelli philosophy is not entirely true and it cannot be
applied to all mankind, especially amongst the people who strive to be
Christ-like. Yes, they may make mistakes and fall short every once in a while
but they will always endeavour to make up for their shortcomings because they
are full of love.
This was an interesting choice. I like that you talked about how people also have the capacity to build other up through service instead of just tearing them down. But I also liked how you were very realistic about the fact that many people in the world today are self-centered and that the principle could still apply to them.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that there are two sides to the apple. There are those who constantly think of the ways that they can get what they want by taking advantage of others. And those who look for ways to help others and better the world. When I see the second it gives me hope for the world I will one day raise my kids in. Definitely a good choice.
ReplyDelete2 sides to the apple? that is an odd expression. who would ever argue that an apple only have one side? i mean it would take an idiot to argue the physical dimensions of an apple. i feel that having two sides of an apple is self explanatory. unless its a trick apple where the other half is missing but you can't tell, but then its really just a deceitful apple and i assume deceitful apples were not included in your comment. Overall it was just a silly phrase.
DeleteI like that you picked the optimistic angle in your blog. It is easy to focus on the negative and narcissistic aspects of mankind, but altruism and love do exist. People will betray other people, but that is not the majority. Relationships and trust are necessary to life and that cannot be forgotten. Great comment.
ReplyDelete