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Niccolo Machiavelli And Martin Luther Analysis

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Niccolo Machiavelli and Martin Luther found themselves to be surrounded by darkness and heavy fog that clouded their vision. They both were feeling lightheaded from the heat and lack of stamina. Luther found a lit candle that allowed him to see Machiavelli a few feet away from him. As the two approached each other they began to recollect their final memories and their location. Luther is confused as to why he has been placed in purgatory and finds discomfort in his lack of effort to receive God’s promise of salvation. He turns to Machiavelli and the two enlist in a conversation that looks over their beliefs in the duration of their time at earth.

Luther: I understand that you, Machiavelli, believe it is justified for a Prince to find solace in creating a persona of being a pious and religious man if it means keeping the state maintained. You also approve of deception towards citizens because they are so ignorant and blindsided by the character they see that they would be unable to tell a difference.
Machiavelli: Yes, although it seems harsh there are many instances where Princes have kept little faith yet achieved great things for their people. For instance, Alexander the Sixth achieved all his desires because he mastered the art of being a fox and a lion. His cunning nature allowed him to manipulate a situation and his people to his advantage.
Luther: The honor that we hold of truth and righteousness is in the person who we believe and look up too. It’s an insult to

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