This is perhaps the most direct Machiavellian theme in "Death Note." Light Yagami, the protagonist, believes his actions, however morally questionable, are justified because they serve a greater good: creating a world without crime. Machiavelli, in "The Prince," argues that rulers must be willing to be cruel if it means securing power and stability.

The Ends Justify the Means

Light's transformation from a high school student to a god-like figure wielding the Death Note illustrates the Machiavellian principle that leaders must not be constrained by conventional morality if they seek to maintain power and control. This mirrors Machiavelli's advice that a prince should not be good if it undermines his power.

Moral Flexibility for Power

"The prince must consider...whether his acts conform to the rules of morality; he should only be concerned with wielding them effectively and to his advantage."

"A prince must imitate the fox and the lion, for the lion cannot protect himself from traps, and the fox cannot defend himself from wolves. One must therefore be a fox to recognize traps, and a lion to frighten wolves."

"Fortune favors the bold."

Both Light and L exhibit unpredictability in their strategies, keeping their adversaries constantly off-balance. This mirrors Machiavelli’s advice that unpredictability can be a valuable asset in maintaining power, as it keeps opponents and potential usurpers uncertain and reactive.

Maintaining Power Through Unpredictability

"There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things."

"Death Note" extensively explores what it means to hold power, the responsibilities that come with it, and the corrupting nature of power—a central theme in Machiavelli’s work. Light's journey is a testament to Machiavelli's observation that power changes people, often leading them to commit acts they would have considered abhorrent before gaining power.

The Nature of Leadership and Power

"The wise man does at once what the fool does finally."

“The Ends Justify the Means.”

As Light delves deeper into his role as Kira, the isolation he experiences mirrors the Machiavellian idea that a ruler often stands alone at the top. The loneliness of power and the sacrifices made for its sake are evident as Light distances himself from family, friends, and any form of genuine human connection.

The Isolation of Power

"Death Note" delves into the idea that the political (or in this case, the quest for a new world order) operates on a different moral plane. This is akin to Machiavelli's notion of realpolitik, where political necessity dictates actions that might be unethical in ordinary life.

Realpolitik and the Autonomous Ethics of Politics

Both Light and L, the detective trying to catch him, employ deception and manipulation, key Machiavellian tactics, to outmaneuver each other. Machiavelli advised that a wise ruler should be cunning like a fox, able to deceive both enemies and allies as necessary to maintain power.

Manipulation and Deception

"He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command."

Machiavelli discussed the role of fortune in human affairs and the importance of adapting to changing circumstances. Light's discovery of the Death Note is an instance of fortune that he must then navigate wisely to achieve his goals, embodying Machiavelli's ideal of the adaptable prince.

The Role of Fortuna (Fortune)

"It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both."

"Appear as you may wish to be."

Machiavelli posited that it is safer for a ruler to be feared than loved, as long as he does not become hated. Light embodies this principle by instilling fear globally among criminals and those who oppose him, ensuring compliance through the threat of death. However, he also seeks a form of admiration or love from the public as a benevolent god, navigating the delicate balance between fear and love.

The Use of Fear vs. Love

Light's attempt to create a perfect world reflects Machiavelli's insights on the appearance of order and morality. Machiavelli believed that the appearance of virtue could be as effective as virtue itself in maintaining power and order. Light uses the Death Note to enforce a superficial order based on fear, not unlike a ruler might project an image of order to maintain control.

The Illusion of Order

"Politics have no relation to morals."

"Death Note," a popular anime and manga series, presents a wealth of themes that echo Machiavellian concepts, particularly those related to power, morality, and the nature of leadership.

NICCOLÒ MACHIAVELLI

Similar ideas

Use moral framing

Social learning

DAVID MARTIN