《君主论·第八章·以邪恶之道获得君权者》第3节
Therefore, he who considers the actions and the genius of this man will see nothing, or little, which can be attributed to fortune, inasmuch as he attained pre-eminence, as is shown above, not by the favour of any one, but step by step in the military profession, which steps were gained with a thousand troubles and perils, and were afterwards boldly held by him with many hazardous dangers. Yet it cannot be called talent to slay fellow-citizens, to deceive friends, to be without faith, without mercy, without religion; such methods may gain empire, but not glory. Still, if the courage of Agathocles in entering into and extricating himself from dangers be considered, together with his greatness of mind in enduring and overcoming hardships, it cannot be seen why he should be esteemed less than the most notable captain. Nevertheless, his barbarous cruelty and inhumanity with infinite wickedness do not permit him to be celebrated among the most excellent men. What he achieved cannot be attributed either to fortune or genius.
注释摘要
在这段论述中，马基雅维利对阿加托克利斯这个人物做出了一个极其微妙、甚至看似矛盾的评价，而正是这个评价，集中体现了他思想中最具颠覆性的那一面。他要论证的核心问题是：一个人单凭自己的才能与胆略，完全不依赖命运的馈赠，从最底层攀上权力的顶峰，这究竟算不算“德能”？他的推理链条步步为营。他首先确认一个事实：阿加托克利斯的崛起，几乎看不到命运的助力。他出身陶工之家，…