Past Present Future The History of Freedom w/ Lea Ypi: Machiavelli and Political Liberty
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Apr 4, 2024 
Lea Ypi, an expert in the history of freedom and political philosophy, discusses Machiavelli, republicanism, and the protection of individuals from exploitation. They explore holding political elites accountable and strategies for escaping domination. The podcast delves into the concept of political freedom, civic virtues, and the evolution of Republican institutions in the United States, influenced by Machiavelli's principles. It also examines fear, personal independence, accountability in modern institutions, and Machiavelli's views on freedom and security.
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Qualities of Free State Citizens
- A free state's citizens must be virtuous, patriotic, and willing to defend it.
- They must also be argumentative, querulous, and suspicious to hold power accountable.
Conflict in the City
- Machiavelli believes conflict is inherent in city life, not a virtue itself.
- He emphasizes balancing conflicting parties, not suppressing conflict.
Resisting Power
- Unresisted power will become corrupt.
- Institutional setups allowing citizens to say no are key to internal freedom.