Francesco Guicciardini’s Ricordi (Maxims and Reflections): Using communication and power to build reputation in the Renaissance

This article brings Francesco Guicciardini (1483–1540) into the history of communication. The author argues Guicciardini should be added to the short list of Renaissance authors considered part of the so-called proto-history of public relations, like Machiavelli. In his work, the Italian author Guicciardini crafts several maxims and reflections that emphasize the importance of reputation in public and private affairs and how the use of communication and power can help to achieve a solid reputation. Ricordi’s communication menu includes advice about the importance of monitoring and cultivating public opinion, deeds, timing, context and information management. With certain nuances, immorality, as in the case of Machiavelli, seems to be the norm in this period, characterized by pragmatism. A main conclusion of this article is that Guicciardini belongs to a group of historical authors, alongside Machiavelli, Gracián and Cardinal Mazarino, who used communication management with a purpose of hegemony and control over publics on behalf of the powerful class. In fact, nobles, princes and kings used communication management, despite the differences the use of media technology imposes, in a similar fashion to current organizations and enterprises.