These two come from very different backgrounds but they use the term in similar ways. Both Machiavellian and Tuba’s use the word “Machiavellian” demonstrates that it can be cynical and even violent in its meaning; however, there may still be some virtue.
The lives of Outpace and Machiavelli had some striking similarities. Machiavelli was dismissed from politics and then later accused of starting a conspiracy against the prominent Medici family. Outpace experienced a salary loss of power when he was accused of numerous crimes.In addition, they both spent time in jail and lost their positions of power for reasons they believed were unjust. Outpace first encountered The Prince” while in Jail and instantly identified with it for obvious reasons. From his song, Hail Mary, he opens with the following line, “Machiavelli in this? Calumniate/ All through your body/ it blows like a 12 gage shoots [shot gun]” This Is a graphically violent and vivid description of Tuba’s Interpretation of this word.
He extends Machiavellian political theory as a Justification to murder.
This lyric exemplifies how the word has evolved into one with cynical and even violent connotations. Tuba’s interpretation at first glance appears to be a far cry from Machiavelli; however, the two are very similar in meaning. In chapter three of “The Prince” Machiavelli states this: “At this point one may note that men must be either pampered or annihilated. ” Furthermore he states that “the first Is to extinguish the ruling family. It Is easy to see how a street sway thug could Interpret these arguments as justification for killing a gang member on the street. The “turf that gangsters talk about is the same In it’s meaning as the “territory’ that Machiavelli describes. Virtue for it’s own right is shunned by both Outpace and Machiavelli.
However, this does not mean that they are devoid of virtue completely. Both Outpace and Machiavelli have virtue although their interpretation Is vastly different than our consensus understanding.Machiavelli states In the dedication that virtue “implies physical and mental capacity-intelligence, skill, courage, vigor-in short, all those personal qualities that are needed for attainment of one’s own ends. ” If we apply this to the streets that Outpace grew up on he should be considered virtuous under this definition as well. The thugs on the street attain the means for their own end even if that means breaking the law or murdering to protect their territory.Later n Hall Mary Outpace raps “we all wrapped In this hood acting Like thugs” Machiavelli demonstrates that the ultimate good is in the interest of the state or individual. Clearly, Outpace and Machiavelli believed that when they acted in Machiavellian way it Nas virtuous.
This was not virtue in the same way that Christian thought or Aristotle Moon defined it as some higher good. Both of them sacrifice virtue for it’s own sake. Ere needs of the individual and state are put above all else. The ends may Justify the means in some instances. However, this is an ethical question has no clear answer as It debated to this very day.
