Niccolò Machiavelli was a Renaissance political philosopher and statesman whose ideas continue to influence political thought to this day. One of the key concepts in his philosophy is the idea of fortune, or Fortuna in Italian. This concept plays a central role in his most famous work, The Prince, in which he advises rulers on how to acquire and maintain power.
According to Machiavelli, Fortuna is a fickle and unpredictable force that can either help or hinder a ruler's efforts to achieve their goals. He believed that Fortuna was beyond human control and could not be relied upon to bring success. Instead, he argued that a ruler should focus on their own actions and abilities, and not rely on Fortuna to deliver them victory.
Machiavelli argued that Fortuna could be harnessed to a certain extent through the use of virtù, or personal ability and courage. A ruler with virtù could take advantage of opportunities presented by Fortuna and use them to further their own ends. However, he also recognized that Fortuna could be a double-edged sword, and that a ruler who relied too heavily on it could be led astray and ultimately fail.
In The Prince, Machiavelli advises rulers to be cautious in their dealings with Fortuna, and to be prepared for both success and failure. He advises them to have contingency plans in place in case things do not go as expected, and to be flexible and adaptable in the face of changing circumstances.
Overall, Machiavelli's concept of Fortuna is a reminder that success is not always within our control, and that we must be prepared to deal with both good and bad luck as it comes our way. It is a cautionary tale for those who seek power and influence, and a reminder of the importance of personal responsibility and agency in achieving our goals.
"All My Sons" is a play written by Arthur Miller in 1947. The play tells the story of Joe Keller, a successful businessman who is accused of selling faulty airplane parts to the military during World War II, resulting in the deaths of 21 pilots. The play deals with themes of guilt, responsibility, and the American Dream.
At the beginning of the play, Joe Keller is presented as a self-made man who has achieved the American Dream through hard work and determination. He is the owner of a successful manufacturing business and is well respected in his community. However, as the play progresses, it becomes clear that Joe's success is built on a foundation of lies and deception.
As the truth about the faulty airplane parts is revealed, it becomes clear that Joe was aware of the problem but chose to ignore it in order to protect his own interests. This act of selfishness ultimately leads to the deaths of 21 pilots, and Joe is forced to confront the weight of his actions.
Despite his guilt and responsibility for the deaths, Joe is unable to fully accept blame for his actions. He tries to shift the blame onto his former business partner, who has since committed suicide, and he even goes so far as to blame the war itself for the tragedy. It is only when Joe's own son, Chris, confronts him with the truth and demands that he take responsibility for his actions that Joe is finally able to accept his guilt and pay the price for his mistakes.
"All My Sons" serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing personal gain over the greater good. It shows the destructive power of guilt and the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions. Through the character of Joe Keller, Arthur Miller presents a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing personal gain over the greater good, and the destructive power of guilt.
