Machiavelli (ePub)

John Morley, 1st Viscount Morley of Blackburn OM, PC (1838-1923), was a distinguished British Liberal statesman, writer, and a renowned biographer and essayist. Morley's intellectual pursuits led him to explore various political and philosophical ideas, making significant literary contributions that mirrored his liberal principles. His work on 'Machiavelli' is an endeavor to penetrate the life and theories of the influential Renaissance political philosopher, Niccolò Machiavelli. In this study, Morley not only scrutinizes the misinterpretations of Machiavelli's philosophies but also strives to dissociate the man from the maligned machinations often associated with his name, presenting a more balanced historical analysis. Throughout his literary career, Morley's writings were marked by lucid prose, analytical rigor, and an unwavering commitment to liberal values. His other seminal works include biographies of eminent personalities such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Gladstone, each reflecting his extensive knowledge and insightful perspectives on the individuals who shaped modern thought. As an essayist, he engaged in the discourse on ethics and religion, outlining his secular and humanistic convictions in various works, which reinforced his reputation as a thinker of remarkable depth and integrity. Morley also actively participated in public service, serving as a Member of Parliament and holding cabinet positions, thereby bridging his literary accomplishments with his political career.