II.

Great Freedom of Writing and the Press

Occasioned by the previous section, and because perhaps one or another of our readers wonders how Machiavelli Niccolò Machiavelli (1469–1527), the Italian diplomat and philosopher best known for The Prince. Fichte often admired his realism as a tool for national survival. could have gotten away with what was just reported, it might be worth the effort, at the start of the 19th century—looking out from countries that boast of the highest freedom of thought Denkfreiheit—to cast a glance at the freedom of writing and the press that existed at the beginning of the 16th century in Italy, and in the papal seat of Rome.

I cite only one example out of thousands. Machiavelli’s Florentine History was written at the request of Pope Clement VII and is dedicated to him. In this very work, in the first book, the following passage is found: "Just as up to this time no mention has been made of nephews or relatives original: "Nepoten oder Verwandten." This is a direct reference to nepotism—the practice of Popes appointing their relatives (often called "nephews" to hide their true parentage) to high office.