1- His tenure as a diplomat in Florence. He held the position of chancellor for the Florentine government and was dispatched to France, where he encountered Borgia, a ruthless and corrupt politician. Machiavelli recognized that Borgia possessed the essential qualities for any political leader.
2- The disputes stemming from the Italian Wars. The aspirations for Italian unity were jeopardized by the ambitions of both Italian states and foreign powers. Machiavelli yearned deeply for a unified Italy.
3- The actions taken by the ruling Medici family. During this period, Machiavelli found himself imprisoned and tortured after being accused of orchestrating a conspiracy against the Medici.
Answer:
- "They did not achieve what they had originally aimed for when they intended years ago to work towards ending human dominance."
- "...they were significantly better off than during the time of Jones, and it was crucial to prevent humans from returning."
Explanation:
1. This quote aligns with the theme, especially in the concluding part that notes, "they had set themselves years ago to work for the overthrow of the human race." This indicates that although they reacted to perceived oppression, they continued to struggle with how to proceed.
2. The remark "they were better off" suggests a history of oppression experienced during "the days of Jones".
Ultimately, after their struggles, they were more determined than ever to keep humans from regaining power.
The response is time. Growth, fear, and danger don't seem applicable.
