A Man in Politics: From Machiavelli's definitions of power, freedom and valour through Max Weber theory of management and charisma understanding to practical politics of T. G. Masaryk

Abstract

The subjectsof this conference which is dedicated to the ideas of medieval Italian thinker enable to prove relevance and modernity of Machiavelliideas by comparison of them with charismatic authority ideas of modern scientific thinker Max Weber on the basis of T. G. Masaryk managementthe first Czechoslovak Republic president real example. The similarity between ideas ofItalian thinker of the XVI century and ideas of the XX century turn researcher Max Weber, especially his understanding of power and charisma which are developed by consideration and description of state types is observed when we read Machiavelli treatise "The Prince". "The Prince" by Machiavelli can be taken as methodological guide to action and practical politics manual. Machiavelli teaches the ruler to be "an artist", "a professional". He teaches him "valor" (or "virtuosity") - virtù, as he says. Valor or virtùby Machiavelli can be compared with charisma by Weber and it is possible to distinguish some common attributes.

1. It is necessary to have historical or crisis situation in society for charismadevelopment and charismatic leader detection in particular society. As Machiavelli says about great state princes Moses, Cyrus, Theseus and such like they are in chapter VI of "The Prince", "and examining their actions and lives one cannot see that the owed anything to fortune beyond the opportunity, which brought them the material to mould into the form which seemed best to them. Without that opportunity their powers of mind would have been extinguished, and without those powers the opportunity would have come in vain".

2. The significance of virtùand charisma is estimated by recognition of society and inferiors. If the prince does not have social recognition, his power will not be legitimate.

3. Conditions of charismatic governing stability. "Those who by valorous ways become princes, like these men, acquire a principality with difficulty, but they keep it with ease. The difficulties they have in acquiring it rise in part from the new rules and methods which they are forced to introduce to establish their government and its security".

4. The prince and his environment. The definition of "staff" by Weber. Charisma is one of the most important revolutionary forces of social world and thus, a charismatic prince appearance changes human thinking and actions. Charisma is a specificcreative, revolutionary force in history. Machiavelli says about great state princes Moses, Cyrus, Theseus and such like they are in chapter VI of "The Prince" which are charismatic princes from Max Weber's point of view: "Therefore such as these have great difficulties in consummating their enterprise, for all their dangers are in the ascent, yet with ability they will overcome them; but when these are overcome, and those who envied them their success are exterminated, they will begin to be respected, and they will continue afterwards powerful, secure, honoured, and happy". These Machiavelli words suit the first president of Czechoslovakia T. G. Masaryk greatly. Masaryk is the only professional philosopher who has not only created his state ideal, but also has turned it into a reality. Masaryk interpreted politics as one of science branches, as practical application of sociology. State and church were the main subjects in politics till the end of XVIII century, on the turn of XIX-XX centuries the nation becomes such subject.Constructive fractional work for society which positivity should connect withhumanity and moral in was Masaryk's politics core. The idea of "fractional work" included raising of universal education, inner perfection of civil society, cultivation of responsibility skillsbefore the society. Moral, cultural and economic maturity only can give Czechs political independence according to Masaryk. In conclusion T. G. Masaryk can be considered as charismatic prince and his seventeen-year presidency in the first Czechoslovak Republic can be considered as the period of charismatic governing. The confirmations of this are Machiavelli's words from chapter XXI "and a prince ought, above all things, always endeavor in every action to gain for himself the reputation of being a great and remarkable man". T. G. Masaryk has managed it.