Who is the most misunderstood historical figure?

[justseyi]

When we think of Machiavelli today, many picture a ruthless strategist who believed that the ends always justify the means.

It’s easy to see why, especially if you pull out quotes from *The Prince*, like, “It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.” On the surface, this seems cold and calculating.

But context is crucial.

Machiavelli wasn’t promoting tyranny; he was offering practical advice to leaders in an era where their power was under constant threat.

*The Prince* was actually written as a guide for Lorenzo de’ Medici, the ruler of Florence, and it served as a kind of job application for Machiavelli, who had been exiled and was eager to return to politics.

What’s often missed is that Machiavelli was also a committed republican.

His other significant work, *Discourses on Livy*, reveals his deep admiration for the Roman Republic and his belief in the benefits of a republican form of government.

In fact, he favored a government accountable to the people over the rule of a single ruler.

But while *The Prince* gained all the attention, *Discourses* was more substantial—focused on republican virtues rather than sensational tactics, yet it remains less remembered.

After his political downfall, Machiavelli withdrew to his farm near Florence.

He spent his days farming and his nights writing. In letters to friends, he shared how he would don his best robes each evening to enter his “court” of ancient philosophers through the pages of his books.

[Author]

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