Why is Machiavelli important to the Renaissance and history?
In his book, The prince,Machiavelli describes the proper orientation towards the volatility of the world, or Fortune, by comparing Fortune to a lady: "la fortuna é donna," or "Fortune is a Lady." Machiavelli is referring to the courtly love tradition, where the lady that constitutes the object of desire is approached and entreated and begged. The ideal Prince, however, for Machiavelli does not entreat or beg Lady Fortune, but rather physically grabs her and takes whatever he wants. This was a scandalous passage and still is today, but it represents a powerful translation of the Renaissance idea of human potential to the area of politics
Victoria Cross,johnson beharry,politically motivated award?
Black pte johnson beharry recieved a VC for driving the lead armoured vehicle away from the combat zone in which hsi and other vehicles were being attacked. The many events in history where this medal was awarded ,showed courage above and beyond the call of duty,where ones persoanl safety was disregarded for the sake of ones comrades or in the destruction of the target. I fail to see the connection here.Of course the media would report this with slant favouring the medal recipient,but as individuals we have the right to question the wisdom. The actions of the soldier,although respect for maintaining a level head were in no way deserving of the VC. Clearly, the establishment was concerned with bad news and falling morale in iraq and dwindling of public support at home.Thus "all wars need a hero".Especially if in troubled times,especially if that hero is of ethnic minority. This method is nothing new ,but I am concerned with the cheapening of all the VCs awarded in genuine cases.