Discourses on Livy: Memoirs of a Nun; La Religieuse

Famous for his political treatise The Prince, which advises would-be kings on the best strategies for governing, Machiavelli turns his attention to the inner workings of a successful republic and the people necessary to maintain it in his Discourses on Livy. Comparing contemporary societies to ancient Rome, with examples from Livy’s The History of Rome, Machiavelli tries to identify the foundations of a well-working republic, examining social and political aspects, such as voting, citizenship, warfare and religion. The core belief in the Discourses is that passion and conflict will always dominate, and that a combination of social structures and clear, objective thinking based on history is necessary to compel people towards a common good. The book is also notable for its discussion of political conspiracies, which dominates the longest chapters, as Machiavelli explores political upheaval and the hidden springs of politics. Many of the book’s ideas are still relevant today, and many argue that Machiavelli’s true opinions can be found here. Its sweeping defence of republican liberty made the book as controversial in its own time as The Prince is today.