Part VI:
Making a Difference
Document 18
| On influencing rulers: "And since, as we have already said, our habits are what our actions make them, and virtue consists in action, it is not impossible or marvellous (sic) that the Courtier (nobleman who has direct contact with the ruler) should turn the prince to many virtues, like justice, generosity, magnanimity, the practice whereof the prince by his greatness can easily put in use" (Castiglione 282). |
Document 19
| "...he may be able to say, and always shall say, the truth about everything which it is fitting for the prince to know . . . when he sees his prince's mind inclined to do something wrong, he may be quick to oppose" (Castiglione 247). |
Questions to discuss:
- What are the responsibilities of this courtier?
- If a citizen does not have direct contact with a ruler or a ruling body, but opposes a decision made by them, what can s/he do?
- Is the citizen obligated to do something about a decision s/he objects to?
Please re-evaluate your questions and answers about the good citizen. Add your new thoughts and cross off any ideas that no longer seem correct.
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