Machiavelli?s View Of Human Nature Essay

Political theorist Niccolò Machiavelli’s, “The Prince”, exemplifies an early depiction of several “modern” ideological principles that would sustain and preserve nations (especially after the separation of the church and state) in the sixteenth century. In this critically acclaimed work, Machiavelli satirically bequeaths a map of qualities that princes should steadfastly uphold and advance. Expressly, the qualities mapped out are frequently criticized as, “crafty, cunning and unscrupulous methods by which a prince can acquire and maintain political power”. One of the most prominent principles that almost served as a catalyst and enchiridion for Machiavelli’s “ethical” behavior as an eminent political figure of Florence, Italy was, “the end

Machiavelli writes the ‘Prince’ while away in exile which by most people, is interpreted as his manual or guide on how to rule. It is quite clear that he demonstrates political interest and advocacy in his work through the many stories of past rulers he shares as examples of what to do and what not to do. An example of a ruler who came from a lower position, meaning no riches or status, was Agathocles (son of a potter, who became the King of Syracuse) (Machiavelli [1532] 2006) which is similar to the status of the man Plato speaks of, Socrates. However, Machiavelli speaks for power politics and the importance of the ruler being in total control since “a wise prince should establish himself on that which is in his own control and not in that of others” ([1532]

A prince must learn not to be limited to morality when unavoidable; a leader has to be able to use lies, force and deception if required in the world. Whether it is better to be feared or loved clearly addresses the reason for this.

Niccolò Machiavelli was an activist of analyzing power. He believed firmly in his theories and he wanted to persuade everyone else of them as well. To comment on the common relationship that was seen between moral goodness and legitimate authority of those who held power, Machiavelli said that authority and power were essentially coequal.9 He believed that whomever had power obtained the right to command; but goodness does not ensure power. This implied that the only genuine apprehension of the administrative power was the attainment and preservation of powers which indirectly guided the maintenance of the state. That, to him, should have been the objective of all leaders. Machiavelli believed that one should do whatever it took, during the given circumstance, to keep his people in favor of him and to maintain the state. Thus, all leaders should have both a sly fox and ravenous wolf inside of him prepared to release when necessary.10

Niccolò Machiavelli was notorious for his actions and writings as a politician and philosopher, among many other political and humanitarian titles. He lived in a time period during which Italy was rife with political conflict, with city-states battling each other for power. Machiavelli formated specific opinions based on his experiences and what he witnessed of others whilst being in and out of the throes of Italian government. He ended up writing one of his most famous works, “The Prince”, in an attempt to return back to power. Within this work, he analyzes the complexities of governance in a sort of how-to guide style meant for a would-be-ruler. The significance of his analysis comes from his unsentimental and realistic view of human nature

His views were very negative and centered around people who lived to serve the interests of their leader. He views the people as pliable, but difficult to control. He also states, “...the nature of the people is variable, and whilst it is easy to persuade them, it is difficult to fix them into that persuasion.” Furthermore, during this time period, humanists strongly believed that an individual could only grow through participation in governing of the state. Machiavelli distrusted humans and states that in history, humans were never there when they were needed most.

Phuc Pham Amalia Herrmann Humanities Core H1AS 28024 11 December 2014 Synergy to Success The key to success is not intelligence alone, but virtue. Nothing in the world is able to take the place of virtue; not talent, determination nor fortune. In The Prince by Machiavelli, the term virtue implies valor, courage, character, power, and masculinity.

Both Vito and Michael Corleone are apt Machiavellian princes. The juxtaposition of their stories highlights different approaches a prince can have. What Machiavelli calls "prowess" aptly describes how Vito comes to power, he rises through the ranks based on his talents. Michael emerges due to "fortune", being the youngest son he inherits the role by chance. In Cuba, bad "fortune" contributes to the botched assassination attempt on Roth.

Machiavelli asserts that a prince must take care to avoid getting a bad name in order to maintain power, however, he mustn't always observe virtuous qualities although they seem to be praiseworthy, observance of vises may sometimes lead to a virtuous appearance. "[I]t will be seen that some things seem to be virtuous, but if they are put into practice will be ruinous to him; other things seem to be vises, yet if put into practice will bring the prince security and well-being" this statement becomes the foundation upon which Machiavelli's reasoning for allowing such vast flexibility in the prince's demeanor (1492). Although Machiavelli justifies princes in straying from the most virtuous path in their own self-interest, he does not condone putting all vises into practice nor does he give princes absolute sanction to do anything they want to reach positive ends. As the focus is turned to the observance of specific virtues, it becomes perfectly clear that

Autocratic regimes, to the general population, seem asinine and inefficient. However, Niccolò Machiavelli, a Renaissance philosopher, thought it could be possible to create a functional autocratic regime under the right guidance and influence. He proved he differed from philosophers and political theorists of his time with the novel, The Prince. In his novel The Prince, Machiavelli states his opinion on how principalities should be obtained and managed through the use historical references and scenarios. At the time of his work his ideas were radical and a first of their kind. Machiavelli had many interesting views such as his opinions on justice, morals, and human nature. He believed justice was non-existing, morals shouldn’t play a role in

In this paper, I will examine Niccolo Machiavelli’s claims in The Prince that dictatorial power drives most princes. Machiavelli discusses the differences between shared and dictatorial power. The dominant power is to never be conquered, even with the possibility for people to attain greater status. In The Prince, Machiavelli discusses two groups of people: the public and the upper class. This paper will uncover more of how Machiavelli creates the distinctions between powers.

Niccolo Machiavelli is a very pragmatic political theorist. His political theories are directly related to the current bad state of affairs in Italy that is in dire need of a new ruler to help bring order to the country. Some of his philosophies may sound extreme and many people may call him evil, but the truth is that Niccolo Machiavelli’s writings are only aimed at fixing the current corruptions and cruelties that filled the Italian community, and has written what he believed to be the most practical and efficient way to deal with it. Three points that Machiavelli illustrates in his book The Prince is first, that “it is better to be feared then loved,”# the second

When reading Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince, one can’t help but grasp Machiavelli’s argument that morality and politics can not exist in the same forum. However, when examining Machiavelli’s various concepts in depth, one can conclude that perhaps his suggested violence and evil is fueled by a moral end of sorts. First and foremost, one must have the understanding that this book is aimed solely at the Prince or Emperor with the express purpose of aiding him in maintaining power. Therefore, it is essential to grasp his concepts of fortune and virtue. These two contrary concepts reflect the manner in which a Prince should govern while minimizing all chance and uncertainty. This kind of governing demands violence to be taken, however this

The Prince is a study of how to obtain and maintain political power, this book which has 26 chapters can be categorized in four parts; the types of principalities, the type of armies, the character and behavior of the prince and Italy's political situation. Machiavelli describes the kinds of states at the first of the book, arguing that all states are either republics or principalities. Machiavelli explains some key points in what it takes to be a successful Prince. He is giving us an exact image of the cold-hearted reputation he has carried through the years. He explains his thoughts on taking over a Free State or republic and how to overcome and rule with the people loyalty and respect. He also argues

Niccolo Machiavelli’s abstract work of The Prince discusses politics and government and focuses in not only acquiring power, but also how to maintain it. Throughout his work, one of the most prevalent yet disputed themes is between the acquirement of states between principalities and republics. The Prince shows a predominant and constant debate on which group will excel in acquiring power. However, despite Machiavelli’s harsh criticisms on principalities, his work does not solely praise or focus on the excellence of republics. In fact, as Machiavelli continues to speak and provide examples about the successes and failures of both republics and principalities, it becomes clearer that the lone purpose of The Prince is to merely provide tactics in political governance, instruction on how to maintain power once it is acquired, and most importantly, advice on how to become a great leader.