Machiavelli argues against the Fortress.: Philosophy Forums

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Machiavelli argues against the Fortress.
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Machiavelli argues against the Fortress.

jsawvel
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Posted 10/11/09 - 03:51 PM: Subject: Machiavelli argues against the Fortress.	#1
I was just reading the other day that Machiavelli argued against fortresses in general when it came to war or being safe. He said there were a few things wrong with them. For one thing, people from all around knew exactly where to find you. Also, if you try to hide yourself away in a fortress, you lose touch with what is going on outside. You lose vital information. You're fortress can also be sieged. It provides a large and obvious target. To me, the idea of a fortress has other implications today. For instance, some people think of it as their goal to "make a lot of money" so that one that "have" or "possess" this money, then they will be secure. The problem with trying to "possess" anything is that you end up building up a fortress around it and trying to protect it and preserve it. And it is stationary, just waiting to erode. Perhaps the currency loses value or becomes worthless. Maybe robbers come in and try to take it etc. (that's not real power) It seems to me that "cash flow" is much more important than having a giant swimming pool of money. I'd rather be by the river than have a giant tank in my backyard knowing that everyday I drink, the water level gets a little lower. The no-fortress principle also applies to relationships. Don't be dependent on just one. Don't be dependent on one job, because you grow stale in your security. So, to me, the lesson is to diversify, and recognize "fortresses" as liabilities rather than assets.

Desidude666
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Posted 10/29/09 - 12:16 AM:	#2
I agree. However, fortresses are natural defenses. And it's easier to create one, hence it's common. You cannot counter-react always and thus a fortress serves as a good point to reflect. Sometimes, it might just help ease your position too. It's better to wait out somethings, with good judgment, than launch a full-scale offensive - and for that a natural fortress often helps manage your position. Even in relationships, it's better to fortify and defend yourself rather than attack, primarily if these relationships are valuable.
What you are, you are by accident of birth; what I am, I am by myself. There are and will be a thousand princes; there is only one Beethoven. - Ludwig van Beethoven

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