Machiavelli Chose Loyalty Over Power - Ada Palmer

Ada Palmer analyzes a crucial period in Machiavelli's life that reveals his character and priorities. After serving in the resistance regime that governed Florence while the Medici were in exile, Machiavelli found himself on the wrong side when the Medici returned to power. The returning Medici viewed him as an enemy, leading to his arrest, torture, and exile. Palmer explains the typical Florentine exile system, where banished individuals were usually sent to specific locations with diplomatic duties and the possibility of eventual return if they remained compliant. However, Machiavelli's punishment was harsher - he was banished to an insignificant hamlet in the Tuscan countryside with no meaningful role, essentially told to 'go sit in the country and rot.' The Medici expected Machiavelli to break his exile terms and leave, which would have been the normal response. Instead, Machiavelli chose an unusual path of loyalty, remaining in his countryside exile and continuing to write letters expressing his willingness to serve Florence. Palmer emphasizes that this behavior was abnormal compared to other Florentine intellectuals who experienced similar banishments during the same period. She highlights the significant sacrifice this represented - Machiavelli could have gained much more power and influence in his later years if he had been willing to work for rulers other than Florence, but he chose loyalty over personal advancement.