How should one govern a state? For answers, we can turn to the wisdom of Gino di Neri Capponi, a 15th-century statesman whose advice on politics and governance remains surprisingly relevant. Written nearly 600 years ago, Capponi’s insights continue to offer valuable lessons for both modern leaders and individuals alike.
By the time Gino di Neri Capponi wrote his Maxims around 1420, he was an elderly man with a wealth of experience. One of the noble citizens of Florence, he served as a soldier, administrator, and diplomat, eventually becoming the Governor of Pisa after the Florentines conquered the city, as well as a War Commissioner during a conflict with the King of Naples. Capponi travelled throughout Italy and decided to use his experience to write a short Maxims, offering his views on politics.
Capponi’s insights are pragmatic and practical, echoing the ideas later popularised by Machiavelli. As he wrote this work for his son, the advice seems equally applicable to family matters as well as affairs of state. Here are twelve of the points he raised, which we believe remain relevant today:
1. The Commune of Florence shall hold fast against its foreign enemies as long as it relies on its sword. It will achieve supremacy if it never allows any private citizen, or family, or group of relations to wield greater power than the Signory.
2. Avoid the rise of vicious or ignorant men, for their reputation is damaging and their capacity for evil is great. Offices would multiply and the State would see its authority vanish.
3. Beware of mercenary captaincies of too high cost and of all excessive expenditures. A foremost principle is that they must never become matters of politics.
4. He who fears war too much will find that war goes to him and pursues him right at home. So long as it is possible, it is far wiser to rely on words than on swords.
5. Great power and in particular the power of the leading citizens commands no loyalty when not accompanied by money or wealth.
6. Avoid entanglements with the priests for they are the scum of the earth. Do not bother with Churches unless for purposes of sacraments and divine offices.
7. I found much more satisfaction in forgiving than in achieving revenge.
8. Every lord, no matter how weak, is an enemy when close enough to us, unless he chooses to be our friend because of his own interest. Take care not to enter any deals with such people, because they would gladly place a knife at your throat and would sell and barter you and your assets. Thus avoid such dangers as the undertaking of a war because nobody ever knows how a war may end.
9. Be careful with your expenses because spending beyond possibilities gives birth to endless evils.
10. Cultivate ties of friendship with relatives and neighbors in all matters, and help your friends not only at home but even when they are forced to leave the city.
11. I have seen our city ruled by mature people.
12. Concluding my thoughts on government, I say that you must get along with those in power and give your aid to the rulers, because it is far better to have a powerful state than a series of pointless popular leaders. For the good of the city, it is better to have a huge lamb rather than a lion; for many are those who know how to lead a lamb while nobody has either the practice or the courage to deal with lions, and he who has not, cannot.
You can read all of Capponi’s Maxims translated by Renzo Sereno in his article, “The Ricordi of Gino Di Neri Capponi,” found in The American Political Science Review, Vol. 52:4 (1958). The article can be read on JSTOR.
Top Image : 16th-century map of Florence by Sebastian Munster – Wikimedia Commons
How should one govern a state? For answers, we can turn to the wisdom of Gino di Neri Capponi, a 15th-century statesman whose advice on politics and governance remains surprisingly relevant. Written nearly 600 years ago, Capponi’s insights continue to offer valuable lessons for both modern leaders and individuals alike.
By the time Gino di Neri Capponi wrote his Maxims around 1420, he was an elderly man with a wealth of experience. One of the noble citizens of Florence, he served as a soldier, administrator, and diplomat, eventually becoming the Governor of Pisa after the Florentines conquered the city, as well as a War Commissioner during a conflict with the King of Naples. Capponi travelled throughout Italy and decided to use his experience to write a short Maxims, offering his views on politics.
Capponi’s insights are pragmatic and practical, echoing the ideas later popularised by Machiavelli. As he wrote this work for his son, the advice seems equally applicable to family matters as well as affairs of state. Here are twelve of the points he raised, which we believe remain relevant today:
1. The Commune of Florence shall hold fast against its foreign enemies as long as it relies on its sword. It will achieve supremacy if it never allows any private citizen, or family, or group of relations to wield greater power than the Signory.
2. Avoid the rise of vicious or ignorant men, for their reputation is damaging and their capacity for evil is great. Offices would multiply and the State would see its authority vanish.
3. Beware of mercenary captaincies of too high cost and of all excessive expenditures. A foremost principle is that they must never become matters of politics.
4. He who fears war too much will find that war goes to him and pursues him right at home. So long as it is possible, it is far wiser to rely on words than on swords.
5. Great power and in particular the power of the leading citizens commands no loyalty when not accompanied by money or wealth.
6. Avoid entanglements with the priests for they are the scum of the earth. Do not bother with Churches unless for purposes of sacraments and divine offices.
7. I found much more satisfaction in forgiving than in achieving revenge.
8. Every lord, no matter how weak, is an enemy when close enough to us, unless he chooses to be our friend because of his own interest. Take care not to enter any deals with such people, because they would gladly place a knife at your throat and would sell and barter you and your assets. Thus avoid such dangers as the undertaking of a war because nobody ever knows how a war may end.
9. Be careful with your expenses because spending beyond possibilities gives birth to endless evils.
10. Cultivate ties of friendship with relatives and neighbors in all matters, and help your friends not only at home but even when they are forced to leave the city.
11. I have seen our city ruled by mature people.
12. Concluding my thoughts on government, I say that you must get along with those in power and give your aid to the rulers, because it is far better to have a powerful state than a series of pointless popular leaders. For the good of the city, it is better to have a huge lamb rather than a lion; for many are those who know how to lead a lamb while nobody has either the practice or the courage to deal with lions, and he who has not, cannot.
You can read all of Capponi’s Maxims translated by Renzo Sereno in his article, “The Ricordi of Gino Di Neri Capponi,” found in The American Political Science Review, Vol. 52:4 (1958). The article can be read on JSTOR.
Top Image : 16th-century map of Florence by Sebastian Munster – Wikimedia Commons
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