Tcahr Issue 14

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Tcahr

 · 5 years ago

  

 
           TCAHR - Better Living Through Memetics 

Issue 14 
Machiavelli for Poseurs                             01/05/01 
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Poor old Machiavelli never meant for his name to be tossed 
about for two-bit poseurs to pretend they're deviously 
brilliant.  Neither did Kafka or Nietzsche. 

Did that strike a cord?  Are you a poseur?  No worries, we 
are here to serve!  We realized how difficult it is to read 
that big old whopping book, so TCAHR is going to go over 
some of the sweetest points of "The Prince".  We'll give you 
the quotes then do a little translation.  After reading this 
issue you'll be able to regal your co-workers at the water 
cooler with your knowledge of "The Mach". 

Chapter 8 - Of Those Who Have Attained the Position of 
            Prince by Villainy 

Niccolo: "[I]n taking a state the conqueror must arrange to 
commit all his cruelties at once, so as not to have to recur 
to them every day, and so as to be able...to reassure people 
and win them over by benefiting them.  Whoever acts 
otherwise...is always obliged to stand with knife in hand..." 

TCAHR: Okay, if you're going to screw people to get to the 
top, screw everyone you have to all at once.  That way you 
can then begin to deal with people in a more fair-minded 
way; in this way you can build loyality.  If you continue to 
screw people after reaching your position of power, you will 
be forced to watch your back constantly.  

Chapter 15 - Of the Things for Which Men, and Especially 
             Princes, Are Praised or Blamed 

Niccolo: "A man who wishes to make a profession of goodness 
in everything must necessarily come to grief among so many 
who as not good.  Therefore it is nexessary for a prince, 
who wishes to maintain himself, to learn how not to be good, 
and to use this knowledge and not use it, according to the 
necessity of the case." 

TCAHR: If you want to be good, be good.  However you're in 
for some heartache.  It's best to know how to be bad and be 
bad when the situation calls for it. 

Niccolo: "[I]t will be found that some things which seem 
virtues would, if followed, lead to one's ruin, and some 
others wich appear vices result in one's greater security 
and wellbeing." 

TCAHR: Nothing is cut-and-dried.  Sometimes being a prick 
will help you more than being a creampuff. 

Chapter 21 - How a Prince Must Act in Order to Gain 
             Reputation 

Niccolo: "A prince is further esteemed [when] he declares 
himself without reserve in favour of some one or against 
another...For if two neighbouring powers come to blows, they 
are either such that if one wins, you will have to fear the 
victor, or else not." 

TCAHR: When a power struggle gives you the opportunity to 
choose, do so.  That way you have a 50/50 chance of gaining 
access to power and not having to watch your back.  If you 
try to play it safe by choosing no one, the one who wins 
has no compulsion to protect or help you. 

Okay, you see how cool "The Mach" was?  How about reading 
the book now? 
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tcahr@hotmail.com                             Copyright 2001