Machiavelli: The Prince
Machiavelli: The Prince
The author, Niccolo Machiavelli, in The Price, comes across as someone who is different from other political theorists because his theory contradicts what most humanists believe. During that time period humanistic theorists believed that individuals not just a ruler made a difference. Machiavelli believed the opposite; he believed that no matter what is or should be done, there is a reason to expect that it will be. As stated by the author, “for how we live is so far removed from how we ought to live, that he who abandons what is done for what ought to be done”. (Page 523) The writing, The Prince was one of the first humanist works of the Renaissance. The Prince by Machiavelli is one of the most controversial pieces of writing even today. This writing reveals the problems with the ruling class and to show that Machiavelli was trying to attempt to lay groundwork for Italy. Throughout history many rulers and princes have strived to become great and be better than the one before him. Machiavelli states, “Therefor it is necessary for a prince, who wishes to maintain himself, to learn how not to be good.” (Page 523) Clearly, the author has points that revel his outlook on being a successful prince and how not to be. Machiavelli believes that the ruling prince should be the sole authoritian determining every aspect of the state. However, Machiavelli did not believe that a prince should mistreat his citizens, as stated by Machiavelli, “I say that every prince must desire to be considered merciful and not cruel.” There will be challenges that the Prince will face and have the responsibility of making his state contempt to avoid war. People are generally self-absorbed, despite what they may perceive. They might be trustworthy, but can turn in adverse times. If man has ambition, nothing will compromise that trust, but the issue lies in knowing that most people are comfortable with the way things are, so therefore they do not seek
The author, Niccolo Machiavelli, in The Price, comes across as someone who is different from other political theorists because his theory contradicts what most humanists believe. During that time period humanistic theorists believed that individuals not just a ruler made a difference. Machiavelli believed the opposite; he believed that no matter what is or should be done, there is a reason to expect that it will be. As stated by the author, “for how we live is so far removed from how we ought to live, that he who abandons what is done for what ought to be done”. (Page 523) The writing, The Prince was one of the first humanist works of the Renaissance. The Prince by Machiavelli is one of the most controversial pieces of writing even today. This writing reveals the problems with the ruling class and to show that Machiavelli was trying to attempt to lay groundwork for Italy. Throughout history many rulers and princes have strived to become great and be better than the one before him. Machiavelli states, “Therefor it is necessary for a prince, who wishes to maintain himself, to learn how not to be good.” (Page 523) Clearly, the author has points that revel his outlook on being a successful prince and how not to be. Machiavelli believes that the ruling prince should be the sole authoritian determining every aspect of the state. However, Machiavelli did not believe that a prince should mistreat his citizens, as stated by Machiavelli, “I say that every prince must desire to be considered merciful and not cruel.” There will be challenges that the Prince will face and have the responsibility of making his state contempt to avoid war. People are generally self-absorbed, despite what they may perceive. They might be trustworthy, but can turn in adverse times. If man has ambition, nothing will compromise that trust, but the issue lies in knowing that most people are comfortable with the way things are, so therefore they do not seek