Ratio Analysis Annual Published Statements †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Examine about the Ratio Analysis Annual Published Statements. Answer: Presentation: The current report depends on the examination of the proportion for RIO Tinto and BHP Billiton. The proportions will be founded on the territories of benefit, dissolvability, liquidity and productivity proportion. Figures extricated are from the yearly distributed proclamations of the particular organizations. As clear the current proportion for Rio Tinto has spoken to a rising pattern as the organization in the year 2012 announced current proportion of 1.42 while in the year 2017 the current expanded to 1.71 speaking to that Rio Tinto has been using its advantages for meet its obligation commitments. Rio Tinto then again announced a solid arrangement of results with higher working income of US $13.9 billion and mirrored a hearty operational presentation. BHP Billiton in 2012 announced a current proportion of 0.93 anyway over the range of six years the current proportion stood emphatically to 1.85. This gives a review that BHP Billiton has had the option to pay its liabilities. The organization posted a solid money related outcomes with positive working income of US $12.6 billion. As needs be, the snappy proportion for Rio Tinto in 2012 stood 0.96 which in this manner expanded to 1.32 in 2014. Despite the fact that the brisk proportion declined in 2016 to 1.27 anyway in 2017 the speedy proportion expanded to 1.37. This mirrors the organization has adequate resources for meet its transient commitments. The purpose behind increment in brisk proportion is principally a result of solid basic EBITDA of US $18.6 billion and with a multi year record edge of 44% in 2017. BHP revealed a brisk proportion of 0.91 in 2012 which expanded over the range of five years to 1.76. BHP announced a higher brisk proportion than Rio Tinto as the organization has better figured out how to resources for pay momentary commitments. The purpose behind ascent in brisk proportion is fundamentally a direct result of $12.6 billion money exhibiting a proceeded with progress in both the profitability and effectiveness. Rio Tinto revealed an obligation proportion a lower obligation proportion of 0.47 in 2017 mirroring that the organization has lower extent of benefits financed by resources. The essential purpose behind lower obligation proportion is on the grounds that the organization took proportions of bringing down the obligation to US $3.8 billion of every 2017. BHP Billiton expressed an obligation proportion of moderately stable obligation proportion as the organization announced obligation proportion of 0.46 in 2017. The obligation proportion of BHP Billiton spoke to a lower level of BHPs resources that is offered by obligation. Sensibly the lower obligation proportion is to a great extent a direct result of paid off net obligation to US $9.8 billion from US $16.8 billion. The obligation to value proportion speaks to the money related proportion that mirrors the overall extent of investors value and obligation utilized to back the advantages of organization (Scott, 2015). The obligation to value proportion for Rio Tinto throughout the years has moderately been shifting as in 2012 the organization announced an obligation proportion of 1.08 in 2013 and most minimal of 0.87 in 2017. There is higher level of obligation that is utilized by the organization to fund the advantages. Moreover, the expanding security yields and higher swelling with higher valuation of the US value showcase have decreased the unpredictability and fundamentally brought down obligation for the Rio Tinto. BHP Billiton announced a moderately lower obligation to value proportion as in 2012 the proportion stood 0.93 while in 2017 it decreased to 0.87 speaking to a lower extent of investors value and obligation utilized to back the benefits of organization. The fundamental value costs for BHP Billiton has altogether improved the edges and creates a solid income. BHP Billiton lower net obligation and in accordance with the solid budgetary exhibition of non-money modification of US $0.6 billion. Stock Turnover Ratio: The stock turnover proportion can be characterized as the proportion that speaks to how well the association is adequately dealing with its stock (Weygandt et al., 2015). The stock turnover proportion for Rio Tinto in 2012 stood lower to 8.31 anyway over the range of six years it expanded to 11.53 in 2017. This speaks to Rio Tinto generally more slow to change over its stock to the dollar sum. Regardless of the more slow stock transformation rate the market assessments for Rio Tinto chinas gracefully side reorganization were executed and drop in the worldwide stock by 10 percent. Besides, the market flexibly for titanium additionally improved in 2017 that was bolstered by lower stock and more tight gracefully. BHP Billiton announced an improved stock turnover proportion of 0.56 in 2012 which further improved in 2017 with the organization detailing stock turnover of 0.33. This speaks to that the organization has been proficient in changing over its income rapidly than Rio Tinto to the dollar sum. The essential purpose behind diminished stock proportion is a direct result of decreased expense of Esconda unit by seven percent bringing about constant profitability and great developments in stock. The advantage turnover proportion is viewed as the proficiency proportion that helps in estimating the capacity of the association in producing deals from its benefits by contrasting the net deals and the normal absolute resources (Williams, 2014). Rio Tinto announced a moderately steady resource turnover proportion of 0.44 in 2012. Despite the fact that the proportion fell in 2015 to 0.38 anyway in 2017 it stood firmly to 0.46. The essential purpose behind improved resource turnover proportion is a result of solid accounting report, world-class resources and restrained designation of capital spots Rio Tinto in the extraordinary situation of having the option to put resources into higher worth development and give better come back from its advantages than investors. BHP Billiton announced a declining pattern of advantage turnover proportion. The proportion in 2012 stood 0.65 while in 2017 it felled down to as low as 0.32. This speaks to that the organization has created lower extent of deals from its advantages. Regardless of the lower extent of focused deals, the top notch resources produce huge measure of money from all the stages and with positive accounting report and come back to investors of US $4.4 billion. The benefit proportion is utilized decide the capacity of the business in creating the income in contrast with the use and different business costs that are happened during the specific timespan (Weygandt et al., 2015). Net Profit Margin: The net revenue speaks to the level of income that is left over after the consumption are deducted from the deals. If there should arise an occurrence of Rio Tinto, the overall revenue proportion over the range of five years stood generally steady. The proportion in 2012 stood 17.56 while in 2017 it expanded possibly to 20.25. The essential purpose behind improved net overall revenue is solid basic profit of US $8.6 billion and solid net income of US $8.8 billion out of 2017. BHP Billiton revealed an overall revenue proportion of 21.21 in 2012 though in 2016 the net revenue declined to - 19.80 mirroring a fall in the edge of benefit for the organization. Be that as it may, in 2017 the edge improved decidedly to stand 15.95. The essential explanation behind ascent in benefit for BHP is a direct result of the US $5.9 billion of inferable benefit in 2017 while the hidden inferable benefit was US $6.7 billion of every 2016. The arrival on resources shows how the organization is moderately creating benefit in regard its absolute resources (Warren Jones, 2018). If there should arise an occurrence of Rio Tinto the arrival on resources stood moderately turbulent as in 2012 the proportion stood 17.56 while in 2015 it declined to 13.00. The proportion anyway improved to 20.25 in 2017. BHP revealed an arrival on resources of 13.69 in 2012 anyway in 2016 the advantage declined to - 5.19. In the resulting year of 2017 the benefit has improved decidedly to 5.18. The organization has broadened arrangement of sending innovation and applying capital control to separate most and better yield from its advantages. The RIO Tinto improve return on resources is basically a direct result of the organization US $50 billion resource with most worth imaginative projects to give come back from the benefits. End: On an indisputable note the examination can be finished up by expressing that Rio Tinto has generally revealed a solid money related execution in regard to BHP Billiton. The current proportion and snappy proportion remained steadfast for Rio Tinto and the net revenue mirrors that the organization has better capacity to created deals income from its advantages utilized. Reference List: Gitman, L. J., Juchau, R., Flanagan, J. (2015).Principles of administrative fund. Pearson Higher Education AU. Henderson, S., Peirson, G., Herbohn, K., Howieson, B. (2015).Issues in money related bookkeeping. Pearson Higher Education AU. Narayanaswamy, R. (2017).Financial bookkeeping: an administrative point of view. PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd.. Schaltegger, S., Burritt, R. (2017).Contemporary ecological bookkeeping: issues, ideas and practice. Routledge. Scott, W. R. (2015).Financial bookkeeping theory(Vol. 2, No. 0, p. 0). Prentice Hall. Warren, C. S., Jones, J. (2018).Corporate monetary bookkeeping. Cengage Learning. Weygandt, J. J., Kimmel, P. D., Kieso, D. E. (2015).Financial administrative bookkeeping. John Wiley Sons. Williams, J. (2014).Financial bookkeeping. McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

Warning Eat at Your Own Risk free essay sample

Kryptonite is to Superman as crusty fruit-filled treat is to Aja. I despise those completely cut apples and that idiotic custom made pie hull. I scorn that mouth watering smell originating from the kitchen as my tissue turns pale. â€Å"Aja, I made crusty fruit-filled treat particularly for you!† The creepy satisfaction in her voice causes my stomach to recoil. She grins as I approach the table, my eyes augment with fierceness and fervor. One plate. One fork. One bit of crusty fruit-filled treat. She leaves the kitchen to sit in front of the TV. I’m isolated. Glaring through its delicate, entirely toasted hull, it smiles as though to state â€Å"I win again.† Palms sweat-soaked, knees shaking, I can’t surrender, I remind myself. Sitting in the seat before the pie, I breathe in. The sweet smell waits in my nose, prodding my faculties. Those apples are unadulterated wickedness. My hands structure into clench hands of fierceness. My quality is blurring. We will compose a custom paper test on Cautioning: Eat at Your Own Risk or on the other hand any comparable theme explicitly for you Don't WasteYour Time Recruit WRITER Just 13.90/page â€Å"Stop it!† I shout inside my head. The horrifying torment delays. Voices reverberation among my musings: â€Å"Give up before it’s too late.† â€Å"You will never win.† â€Å"You can’t resist!† I sweat as I consider the potential outcomes. Alternative one: I flee. Choice two: I obliterate the pie. Choice three: I eat! Influence produces results and my musings gradually change. â€Å"I despise apple pie.† â€Å"I loathe apple pie.† â€Å"I like apple pie.† â€Å"I love apple pie!† Uh-goodness! Quicker than a speeding projectile my correct hand holds onto the fork and stuffs my mouth with my heart’s genuine want. Still warm and clammy, I am in no state of mind for little pieces. I start to eat bigger parts until it was no more. One plate. One fork. No pie. The pie was correct. It won once more. I will consistently lose as long as kryptonite is to superman, than crusty fruit-filled treat is to Aja.

Discuss The Role of Curley’s Wife In The Novel Of Mice And Men Essay

In this novel, Curley’s Wife’s primary capacity or design is her portrayal of one sort of female in that season of American history. She is by all accounts the kind of individual who is all around determined in her activities. She gets a kick out of the chance to make herself appealing by utilizing make-up, when she wears shoes with red â€Å"Ostrich Feathers† she doesn’t need to wear them on a residue farm, however she does. She fantasies about being a film or â€Å"Talkie† star, she reveals to Lennie this, in an uncommon demonstration of certainty. She isn't a generalization however I believe that her character is very unsurprising. In the video adjustment she is by all accounts neighborly due to her appearance and the manner by which she says words. At the point when she doesn’t need to be seen, her physical nearness is less taken note. She is portrayed as â€Å"brittle† this could imply that she is delicate. The word delicate is typically connected with little and effortlessly broken things. The word â€Å"brittle† could likewise be depicting her physical perspective. She could appear to be solid yet truly could fall or separate when even somewhat contacted, or for her situation, in the event that she is dismissed or offended. In any case, when she talks she has a predominant appeal, which requests consideration. For instance, at whatever point she strolls into a room, the men consistently quit conversing with tune in to what she needs to state. This could be from dread of discipline on the off chance that they don't concur with her or outrage her. It could likewise be a direct result of the notoriety for being â€Å"Jailbait† which she has, or how she has â€Å"the eye†. Due to these two capacities, she can sneak around, attempting to catch anything implicating which she could use to extort somebody. A case of this is the point at which she sneaks into the steady when Lennie, Candy and Crooks are there, and she tunes in to them. All through the entire novel she doesn't have name of her own, which she is called by. She is just alluded to as Curley’s Wife. This could propose that she is the property of Curley. Or on the other hand it could likewise back up the way that she resembles a phantom, in light of the fact that an apparition has no genuine personality. She could act mean, or naughtily on the grounds that she needs to make herself saw more. She tells Lennie â€Å"I get horrendous lonely†. This proposes she needs somebody to converse with her, or whom she can converse with. She is just depicted by individuals, with sentences like â€Å"She got the eye† and â€Å"a Tart†. In the wake of perusing the piece of the novel when she is in the horse shelter with Lennie, the peruser is acted out to feel for Curley’s Wife. This could cause the peruser to feel sorry for her, yet then there would be a contention of feelings when you understand that She has destroyed Candy’s dreams just as passed a capital punishment on Lennie. The entirety of this could eclipse the way that Curley’s Wife has simply kicked the bucket. Be that as it may, when you her admission to Lennie, you find this is her lone plan of action as she continued looking for consideration. She attempts to make herself look appealing to get more consideration, yet she is known as a â€Å"Tart†. The way that she resembles a misfortune sign could uphold her picture as â€Å"Jail-bait†. She resembles a curse for any individual who she attempts to turn out to be near. She says that she could get hoodlums hung and she caused Curley and thin to battle. She likewise in a roundabout way caused Lennie’s demise. Not purposefully, however she does. This could be a method of causing the peruser to feel for her case, since Candy resents her for passing on, and he doesn’t bring to imagine that she is to an abrupt halt. Curley’s Wife is the main lady who is referenced on the farm, so the men could think about her as lovely or engaging on the grounds that they don't come into contact with some other ladies. This could support or fortify her disposition. She believed that she could be a famous actor could even now feel that. This could be another factor that supports her self-predominance complex. Be that as it may, she realizes that. Since, she has no name she could be claimed by Curley, this could clarify her activities. It could be her method of communicating her indignation. She is irate in light of the fact that, when she marked her marriage declaration, She didn’t lose her independence, yet something more regrettable, her personality.

An Overview of the Process of Balkanization

An Overview of the Process of Balkanization Balkanization is a term used to depict the division or fracture of a state or district into littler, frequently ethnically comparable spots. The term can likewise allude to the crumbling or separation of different things, for example, organizations, Internet sites or even neighborhoods. For the motivations behind this article and from a geographic point of view, balkanization will depict the fracture of states as well as locales. In certain zones that have encountered balkanization the term depicts the breakdown of multiethnic states into places that are currently ethnically comparable autocracies and have experienced numerous genuine political and social issues, for example, ethnic purging and common war. Therefore, balkanization, particularly with respect to states and districts, is commonly not a positive term as there is regularly much political, social and social conflict that happens when balkanization happens. Advancement of the Term Balkanization Balkanization initially alluded to Europe’s Balkan Peninsula and its notable separation after control by the Ottoman Empire. The term balkanization itself was instituted toward the finish of World War I following this separation just as that of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Russian Empire. Since the mid 1900s, Europe, just as different places the world over, have seen both effective and ineffective endeavors at balkanization and there are still a few endeavors and conversations of balkanization in certain nations today. Endeavors at Balkanization During the 1950s and 1960s, balkanization started happening outside of the Balkans and Europe when a few British and French frontier realms started dividing and separating in Africa. Balkanization was at its stature in the mid 1990s anyway when the Soviet Union fallen and the previous Yugoslavia broke down. With the breakdown of the Soviet Union, the nations of Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania were made. In the making of a portion of these nations, there was frequently extraordinary viciousness and antagonistic vibe. For instance, Armenia and Azerbaijan experience intermittent war over their outskirts and ethnic enclaves. Notwithstanding viciousness in a few, these recently made nations have encountered troublesome times of change in their administrations, economies, and social orders. Yugoslavia was made out of a mix of more than 20 distinctive ethnic gatherings toward the finish of World War I. Because of contrasts between these gatherings, there were rubbing and brutality in the nation. Following World War II, Yugoslavia started to acquire strength however by 1980 the various groups inside the nation started battling for more autonomy. In the mid 1990s, Yugoslavia at long last broke down after around 250,000 individuals were murdered by war. The nations in the end made out of the previous Yugoslavia were Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Slovenia, Macedonia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Kosovo didn't proclaim its autonomy until 2008 and it is as yet not perceived as completely autonomous by the whole world. The breakdown of the Soviet Union and the deterioration of the previous Yugoslavia are probably the best yet in addition the most rough endeavors at balkanization that have occurred. There have additionally been endeavors to balkanize in Kashmir, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Kurdistan, and Iraq. In every one of these regions, there are social or potentially ethnic contrasts that have made various groups need to split away from the principle nation. In Kashmir, Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir are attempting to split away from India, while in Sri Lanka the Tamil Tigers (a nonconformist association for the Tamil individuals) need to split away from that nation. Individuals in the southeastern piece of Nigeria announced themselves to be the province of Biafra and in Iraq, Sunni and Shiite Muslims battle to split away from Iraq. Furthermore, Kurdish individuals in Turkey, Iraq, and Iran have battled to make the State of Kurdistan. Kurdistan is at present not an autonomous state but rather it is somewhat an area with a for the most part Kurdish populace. Balkanization of America and Europe Lately there has been discussion of the balkanized conditions of America and of balkanization in Europe. In these cases, the term isn't utilized to portray the brutal fracture that happened in places like the previous Soviet Union and Yugoslavia. In these examples, it portrays potential divisions based political, financial and social contrasts. Some political reporters in the United States, for instance, guarantee that balkanized or divided in light of the fact that it is extraordinary interests with races in explicit territories than with overseeing the whole nation (West, 2012). In light of these distinctions, there have likewise been a few conversations and dissident developments at the national and nearby levels. In Europe, there are extremely enormous nations with various standards and suppositions and subsequently, it has confronted balkanization. For instance, there have been nonconformist developments on the Iberian Peninsula and in Spain, especially in the Basque and Catalan districts (McLean, 2005). Regardless of whether in the Balkans or in different pieces of the world, vicious or not savage, plainly balkanization is a significant idea that has and will keep on forming the geology of the world.

The Feminist Mom free essay sample

I bit my lip. This is so unreasonable! For what reason did this wonderful individual, my mothers closest companion, need to bite the dust? A mother of ten, she had carried on with a stunning life. For as long as six years she had struggled bosom disease, a case of determination for all who had known her. Since our families were so close, I had perceived how this lady had given herself totally to her kids. I cried as I heard her childrens appreciative declarations for such a great, self-giving mother. As I watched this showcase of affection for a mother so like mine, I thought that I was so fortunate to have my mom fit as a fiddle. Considering my life, I understood that from multiple points of view my qualities are equivalent to hers. I have gotten a rich legacy which incorporates, most importantly, a profound love for family. Indeed, for my mother, the test of raising a major family has really empowered her to succeed. We will compose a custom exposition test on The Feminist Mom or then again any comparable subject explicitly for you Don't WasteYour Time Recruit WRITER Just 13.90/page By her model, my mother has instructed me to make every moment count, paying little heed to its benevolence. Being the second most seasoned of eleven, I can recall the fervor of my moms last three pregnancies. The previous fall, I had a staggeringly bustling timetable. As the commander of the soccer group, photograph editorial manager of the yearbook, and class president, I strikingly sought after my adoration for dramatization and took part in two plays. I didn't understand how brief period I had for my family until creation seven day stretch of the subsequent show. The evening of dress practice, I got back home around eleven, dead worn out, however resolved to complete my schoolwork. As I turned on the kitchen lights I saw an envelope roosted on the table routed to me from my mom. I felt a tinge of frustration recalling that she was away and would miss my presentation. It was a Break A Leg card. The start of the letter was just newsy, and I was unable to help asking why she was composing. Close to the end, I went to the line God is again entrusting a spirit to us I rehash the first senten ce. Our family will be very occupied in the spring. My mom was three months pregnant! I couldnt trust it. Such delight sprung from my heart that I really wanted to cry! I appreciated this lady for barely caring about herself, who worked her hardest and afterward gave more. I couldnt contain my feelings and easily composed an eight-page letter to an old buddy and still had the vitality to complete my schoolwork. As I composed my companion, I abruptly thought with trouble how the remainder of society would respond to my moms pregnancy. The majority of my companions would not comprehend my bliss for another sibling or sister or my profound respect for the lady who might carry this youngster into the world. Different people groups reactions and the word overpopulation went through my mind. A few women's activists would proclaim my moms kids an obstruction to her profession. Being one of these snags, I understood my moms achievement was in reality in making her job as a mother a stunning vocation. The vast majority of society lives out Emersons notable statement from Self Reliance, For resistance the world whips you with its disappointment. In raising an enormous family, she is conflicting with what society presently names as ordinary. However my mom has developed solid in her inescapable whipping. Regardless of societys dismay, she is happy with her life in adoring and thinking about her family. Challenging a lot of women's activist hypothesis, she has really gotten her own person by not considering herself, yet of others. The liberality and difficult work my mom shows is something that I want to achieve in my own life during and after school. I have extraordinary dreams of turning into an architect like my granddad and illuminating the conundrums of the world, however no less incredible an accomplishment is become a conventional courageous woman like my mom.

Beer Withdrawal Symptoms From Mild to Severe

Beer Withdrawal Symptoms From Mild to Severe December 01, 2019 More in Addiction Alcohol Use Binge Drinking Withdrawal and Relapse Children of Alcoholics Drunk Driving Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery Can beer drinkers have withdrawal symptoms? There is a misconception among some drinkers that if they stick to beer it is somehow better for them than drinking the harder stuff. Of course, it is true that you can get more intoxicated faster by drinking whiskey, simply because you have less fluid to swallow. You can down a 1.5 ounce of liquor a lot faster than you can a 12-ounce beer. But when it comes down to it, there is just as much alcohol in a can of beer as there is in a standard mixed drink or a 5-ounce glass of wine.?? Each represents  a standard drink  when determining whether you are drinking at a safe level or at a high-risk level. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can occur when someone stops drinking alcohol.?? Those symptoms can range from mild, moderate or severe, but the severity of the symptoms has nothing to do with the type of alcohol the person stopped drinking. Beer drinkers who stop drinking cold turkey can experience the same level of alcohol withdrawal symptoms as those drinkers who consume liquor or wine. How Much Beer Is Too Much? The  recommended guidelines for beer consumption  are the same as they are for any other alcoholic beverages: 2 or fewer beers a day for men and less than 14 beers a week. For women, its 1 or fewer beers a day and no more than 7 beers a week.?? How Much Alcohol Is Safe to Drink Per Day? Any beer consumption above those levels is considered  high-risk drinking: it puts you at increased risk for developing alcohol use disorders and for developing negative health consequences.?? How much, how often, and how long you consumed alcohol play a role in  how severe the withdrawal symptoms might be. If you drank only one beer a day, your withdrawal symptoms (if you have symptoms at all) are going to be a lot less severe than if you drank a six-pack.If you drank only three times a week, chances are your withdrawal symptoms will be less severe than if you were a daily drinker.And, if you drank a case a week for 30 years, your withdrawal symptoms will probably be more severe than if you decided to quit after two years of that level of alcohol consumption. Other risk factors are more personal: your size, gender, genetics, and even race can have an impact on your reaction to alcohol consumption and withdrawal. Are Your Withdrawal Symptoms Mild, Moderate, or Severe? Do you have withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop drinking beer? Answering these 10 questions will give you an idea of your alcohol withdrawal symptoms are mild, moderate or severe. Severe symptoms, which usually occur about two days after withdrawal, can be life-threatening, so it is important to consult a doctor if you have concerns. The test is completely confidential and anonymous; your results are not recorded and are available only to you. You are not asked for any personally identifying information. This quiz is not intended as a substitute for a professional medical evaluation. It should only be used as a guide to determining if your alcohol withdrawal symptoms are such that you should seek medical attention before you attempt to quit drinking.? Common Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Machiavellian Virtu - Literature Essay Samples

The concept of virtu is central to Machiavellian political theory in The Prince. The problematic nature of this term makes a concise definition difficult to formulate. Varying definitions often lead to different interpretations of Machiavelli. In order to understand the implications of Machiavellis writing it is important to explore this concept and how it shapes his political theory. This essay will be divided into two parts. The first will deal with the definition of virtu and an examination of all the ideas that are included in this term. Examples of historical and contemporary counterparts will be investigated and compared to the Machiavellian model. Next, the implications of this idea on Machiavellis political theory will be discussed in detail.Before beginning the examination of the term virtu it is first necessary to explain the context of this essay with regard to The Prince. Many scholars have suggested that The Prince was written with a less than obvious intent. At face val ue it appear to be no more than a manual for ruling, written in hope that Machiavelli might find employment with the Medici family. A different interpretation sees the text as a offer of bad advice, or at the very least ambiguous advice, written with the intention of bringing down the Medici family that had left Machiavelli banished from the city he loved and destitute. Both interpretations are accepted as possibilities, however for our uses we will be taking The Prince at face value and assume his advice is given in earnest. If it were the case that he was writing with less than truthful intent it would dramatically change the context of his virtu. The unscrupulous, deceitful and vicious activities required of proper statesmanship, according to Machiavelli, can be regarded as a scheme for a rulers downfall.The Prince deals with the various questions of policy as they pertain to new ruler, or one taking control of a new territory. From this context the idea of virtu emerges. Virtu i s a collection of characteristics that make a ruler great. The tides of fortune (fortuna) can wash away any ruler with ease. The ruler who possesses Machiavellis virtu, while not completely free from the possible negative effects of fortune, is in far better position to deal with whatever may arise.Virtu must not be confused with the modern concept of virtue. Machiavellian virtu differs greatly from the present moral model commonly associated with virtuosity. Similarly most historical interpretations of virtue do not agree with Machiavelli.Christian virtue, once described by Nietche as slave morality has very little in common with Machiavellian virtu . The Christian version includes characteristics such as meekness, humility, charity, piety, and forgiveness. None of these ideas are present in Machiavellis princely virtue (virtu). While not an outright atheist, Machiavelli was far from a religious man and held a certain distain for the Catholic Church. He never voices these views an d pays respect to the power of religion in his writings, since it would be the equivalent of political suicide to do otherwise, but a secular air does surround his writings.The Platonic model of virtue is similarly out of sync with Machiavellis virtu. The emphasis on truth and justice that characterizes Platonic virtue is nowhere to be found in Machiavellis conception . Similarly, Roman virtue, which places the highest importance on honesty and honor, is a poor equivalent to virtu .From this one could make the argument that Machiavelli is amoral, or without a moral code. This is not the case. A moral code is defined as a set of standards, by reference to which conduct can be praised or criticized . Machiavelli is very vocal in his praise and condemnation of various courses of action.We have examined what virtu is not, now we will move on to clarifying what this term does mean. If Christian, Platonic and Roman conceptions of virtue do not equate to Machiavellis princely virtue, what then can we use to help clarify this troubling concept?The answer lies in the heroic ideas of virtue present in writings of Homer. The Homeric version of virtue found in Illiad and Odyssey is far more in tune with virtu. Emphasis is placed not on truth, justice, and similar concepts. Instead the hero is required to be an ingenious survivor, sacrificing all with self-preservation as the only goal. Where other models of virtue fail to measure up to Machiavellis, the Homeric characteristics of virtue are more closely related.The linguistic grounding of the term virtu is not without relevance. Virtu is derived from, but not exactly related to the Italian word virtus. Formed from the root vir, which means man, or more precisely free male citizens, virtus refers to the characteristics displayed in the free male citizen class when fulfilling roles and obligations . In this sense only the vir aspect is truly applicable.Contemporaries of Machiavelli have also utilized the term virtu. DVinci used this term with a strictly scientific definition. He used it to designate, in a physical sense, motive power . Another connotation of the term, and most widely used is found within the medical community of the Italian Renaissance . This form of the word describes the vitality giving force upon which the life and strength of all organisms rely. Some authors have suggested an echo of this medicinal grounding in Machiavellis use of the term. A letter written some years later refers to a king who has recently recovered from illness as having his virtu once again become strong. Despite any evidence and similarities very little importance has been attached to this theory.The use of this term in The Prince is widespread and includes numerous connotations. No one word can properly express the idea, and the long list of variations makes applying the term difficult. The result is an array of different possible interpretations in each instance of its use.Some Ideas within the term virtu a re desirable in a modern sense. Intellect is a key aspect of the concept. A ruler should be knowledgeable and utilize this knowledge in the affairs of his state. A keen intellect will aid a ruler in search of greatness while ignorance will allow for misfortune and poor decisions. History should be studied rigorously and the actions of great men mimicked. A smart ruler has advantages in all respects of political life. Confidence also plays a role in the formulation of virtu:I do think, however, that it is better to be headstrong than cautious, for fortune is a lady. It is necessary, if you want to master her, to beat and strike her. And one sees she more often submits to those who act boldly than those who proceed in a calculating fashion.A proper ruler will be sure of himself and command the respect of those below him. Machiavelli gives the example of Maximilian who often undoes his decrees after they meet criticism. The result is no one knows what his intentions are, and his decisi ons are unreliable. Talent, intelligence and confidence are all required by Machiavelli if a ruler is to possess virtu.Machiavelli also demands that his ruler of virtu be pragmatic. He must be prepared for every circumstance and able to apply his knowledge to whatever endeavors he embarks upon. He must be attentive to those around him and weigh their opinions wisely taking into account all that may be gained and lost for each party involved. Attention should always be paid to activities abroad as they may affect the state or convey useful information. The ruler must be alert and perceptive as people may plot against in a bid for power. Decisiveness play a role as well. Uncertainty is unacceptable for a ruler and shows weakness. This pragmatism will serve the ruler well in times of crises and help to ensure his reign is long.This brings us to the negative moral aspects of Machiavellis virtu. These beliefs led to his fall from popularity as they portrayed him as a tyrant with little h eed for so-called moral imperatives. While Machiavelli believes that whenever possible the upstanding road should be taken, there are situations that may require that a leader set aside traditional morality in favor of cunning and trickery.The example of Agathocles, who made bold and deceitful moves to gain sole possession of power, such as the slaughter of Syracuses senators and richest citizens, gains praise from Machiavelli:He was the son of a potter, and from start to finish lived a wicked life; nevertheless his wicked behavior testified to so much strength (virtu) of mind and bodythere seems to be no reason why he should be judged less admirable than any of the finest generals.Although Agathocles receives praise from Machiavelli, the evilness of his character does garner much deserved attention:his inhuman cruelty and brutality, and his innumerable wicked actions, mean it would be wrong to praise him as one of the finest men.He distinction between being a good general and being a good man is clear. Positions of power sometimes require of men actions, which under other circumstance would not gain you praise.Circumstance seems to be the main determinant of whether wicked actions are to be employed or not. A ruler must be able to act against his good nature if it is required of him:For anyone who wants to act the part of the good man in all circumstances will bring about his own ruin, for those he has to deal with will not all be good. So it is necessary for a ruler, if he wants to hold onto power, to learn how not to be good, and to know when it is and when it is not necessary to use this knowledge.Machiavelli is all too aware that sometimes wickedness will profit a ruler far more than acts that are supposedly virtuous:Above all do not be upset if you are supposed to have those vices a ruler needs if he is going to stay securely in power, for, if you think about it you will realize there are some ways of behaving that are supposedly virtuous, but would lead to your downfall, and others that are supposed to be wicked, but will lead to your welfare and peace of mind.Integrity and truth have always been praised as characteristics of great men. However, careful observation has taught Machiavelli that in affairs of power and statecraft the honest man is not necessarily the one to mimic:Everybody recognizes how praiseworthy it is for a ruler to keep his word and live a life of integrity, without relying on craftiness. Nevertheless, we see that in practice, in these days, those rulers have thought it not important to keep their word have achieved great things, and have known how to employ cunning to confuse and disorientate other men. In the end they have been able to overcome those who have placed great store in integrity.Virtu has little to do with justice and more to do with opportunism. Traits that are virtuous for the everyday citizen do not apply to princely virtu. A Ruler, due to his position in a society, is subject different standar ds.It is due to Machiavellis distain for the masses that he acknowledges the ruler must be above common morality:They are ungrateful, fickle, deceptive and deceiving, avoider of danger, eager to gain. They promise you their blood, their possessions, their lives, and their children, as I have said before, so long as you seem to have no need of them. But as soon as you need help, they turn against you.If people were not so wicked and undesirable things would be different. However the nature of man, as Machiavelli sees it does not allow for traditional virtue:So you see a wise ruler cannot, and should not, keep his word when doing so is to his disadvantage, and when the reasons that led him to promise to do so no longer apply. Of course, if all men were good, this advice would be bad: but since men are wicked and will not keep faith with you, you need not keep faith with them.It is now clear how the concept of princely virtue differs with traditional notions of virtue. How then does th is conception of virtu affect Machiavellis political theory? The answer is that virtu shapes almost all aspects of Machiavellis formulations and dominates the text of The Prince. From the preeminence of military power and strategy in a rulers life to theories of which type of ruler is the most suited to overcoming the force of fortune, virtu takes front seat in almost all of Machiavellis discussions.Perhaps the most important aspect of virtu and its relation to political power, according to The Prince, is military superiority. In fact, Machiavelli suggests this be the sole area of concern for a ruler:A ruler, then, should have no other concern, no other thought, should pay attention to nothing aside from war, military institutions, and the training of his soldiersIt is of such importance that military prowess not only keeps those who have been born rulers in power, but also often enables men who have been born private citizens to come to power.While this may be a slight overstatemen t, this section is written to impress upon the reader the importance of military strength. Machiavelli does address non-military issues in his text, but none are given the high regard that issues of war receive.Another issue discussed in The Prince is the nature of rule and the role virtu plays in bringing one to power. Rulers may come to power in different ways some, such as ecclesiastical rulers, are chosen amongst a group of like minded men. These rulers face little challenges as their assumed relationship with God prevents ill from coming to them. Similarly. Rulers who are in power based upon Birthright dont face many challenges, as they are often seen as figureheads, and expectations for them are usually low. The Citizen ruler, however, who gains power through good fortune or of his own virtu, faces the most challenges. In these circumstances the ruler must rely on his virtu to remain in power. Those who were cast into the role of ruler based on the good graces of fortune, with out continued luck, will quickly fall from power.It is the ruler who has struggled his way to power, overcoming obstacles and gaining experience, that possess virtu. He is the most skillful ruler yet must contend with the fiercest opposition. He must rely on his wits and strength to both woo, andcontrol the masses, crushing any opposition where he sees fit. While wickedness may be appropriate and acceptable in order to achieve goals and where it is necessary, extended use of cruel means will create a hateful populace who resents your rule. He must manipulate or, if completely necessary, liquidate the elite in order to ensure his position is safe. A strong military is the most important thing to consider, composed of native troops due to the unreliability of mercenaries and auxiliaries. He must be self-sufficient relying on himself alone, save a few well-paid and trustworthy advisors. The ruler who has gain his position through virtu alone faces the most challenges, but is the most capable to handle them.Machiavellis position on boastful generosity is negative. As he sees it, it will only drain resources, and while a reputation may aid new rulers, those settled should ignore any discomfort from being regarded as a miser. Generosity can be misplaced and often enriches your enemies while harming your wealth. It is preferable to have your population to fear you rather than love you, if both arent possible:as far as being feared and loved is concerned, since men decide for themselves whom they love, and rulers decide whom they fear, a wise ruler should rely on the emotion he can control, not on the one he cannot. But he must take care not to be hatedMachiavelli also advises to garner a reputation. He notes that rulers who undertake great tasks command the respect of their public and military. Public loyalty, however, is always subordinate to military loyalty. The military ensures security, and although the public is powerful and should not be abuse, it is of the u tmost importance that the military remains under control. The leader who possess virtu is regarded with fear and awe by his public and respected by his military. Rulers who avoid war and are unwilling to enter into disputes are soon disposed of by other bolder leaders. A ruler should admire talent and skill and honor those who excel in all fields. At appropriate times he should lift the spirits of his people with festivals to gain admiration. While he is not required to be honest at all times, he must demand it of his advisors and avoid flattery.It is clear that the concept of virtu plays a fundamental role in shaping Machiavellian political theory. Primarily concern with the politics of power and warfare, The Prince expresses in detail how important virtu is to a ruler. Strength, cunning, confidence, intelligence, and pragmatism are central to virtu and the primary source of Machiavellis. While many societies have had models of virtue few can be equated with Machiavellian virtu. So metimes viewed as a manual for tyranny, The Prince is a survival guide for the 16 century Italian ruler.Bibliographical InformationBall, T. The Picaresque Prince Political Theory 12:4 1984 pg 521-536Gilbert, F. On Machiavellis Idea of Virtu Renaissance News 4:4 1957 pg 53-56Machiavelli, N. The Prince Hackett Publishing Co., Indianapolis: 1995