Machiavelli - Human Nature

In The Prince Niccolo Machiavelli presents a view of governing a enjoin that is drastically different from that of humanists of his clipping. Machiavelli believes the ruling Prince should be the sole potentiality determining every aspect of the state and put in effect a policy which would dole out his best interests. These interests were gaining, maintaining, and expanding his semipolitical power.1 His understanding of human nature was a complete contradiction in terms of what humanists believed and taught. Machiavelli strongly promoted a secular society and felt piety was not necessary but in fact stood in the way of an effectively governed principality.2 Though in come cases Machiavelli's suggestions come aside harsh and immoral one must remember that these views were derived out of concern Italy's unstable political condition.3 Though humanists of Machiavelli's time believed that an man-to-man had much to offer to the well being of the state, Machiavelli was quick to scoff human nature. Humanists believed that "An individual only 'grows to maturity- two intellectually and morally- finished participation' in the life of the state."4 Machiavelli generally distrusted citizens, stating that "...in time of adversity, when the state is in need of it's citizens there are a couple of(prenominal) to be found.



"5 Machiavelli further goes on to question the consignment of the citizens and advises the Prince that "...because men a wretched creatures who would not keep their volume to you, you need keep your word to them."6 However, Machiavelli did not see that a Prince should mistreat the citizens. This suggestion once again to serve the Prince's best interests. If a prince can not be both feared and loved, Machiavelli suggests, it would be better for him to be feared bey the citizens within his own principality. He makes the generalization that men are, "...ungrateful, fickle, liars, and deceivers, they shun danger and are rapacious for profit; while you treat them well they are yours."7 He characterizes men as being self... If you want to realize a full essay, order it on our website: Orderessay



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