The Prince as Foundation of Modern Day Politics :: Machiavelli Prince Essays

The Prince as conception of Modern Day Politics   In The Prince Niccolo Machiavelli presents a view of govern ment activity a state that is drastically different from that of kind-heartedists of his time. Machiavelli believes the ruling Prince should be the furbish up authority determining every aspect of the state and put in effect a policy to serve his outflank interests. These interests were gaining, maintaining, and expanding his political power. His consciousness of human nature was a complete contradiction of what humanists believed and taught. Machiavelli strongly promoted a secular society and felt morality was not necessary only in fact stood in the way of an effectively governed principality. Though in some cases Machiavellis suggestions seem harsh and immoral one must hatch that these views were derived out of concern Italys unstable political condition. Though humanists of Machiavellis time believed that an single had much to offer to the well being of th e state, Machiavelli was quick to mock human nature. Humanists believed that An individual only grows to maturity- both intellectually and morally- through participation in the manner of the state. Machiavelli generally distrusted citizens, stating that ...in time of adversity, when the state is in need of its citizens there be few to be found. Machiavelli further goes on to question the loyalty of the citizens and advises the Prince that ...because men a wretched creatures who would not go for their word to you, you need keep your word to them. Machiavelli did not feel that a Prince should mistreat the citizens. This suggestion, once again, serves the Princes best interests. If a prince cannot be both fe ared and bashd, Machiavelli suggests, it would be better for him to be feared bargain the citizens within his own principality. He makes the generalization that men are, ...ungrateful, fickle, liars, and deceivers, they shun risk of exposure and are greedy for profit while y ou treat them well they are yours. He characterizes men as being self centered and not willing to act in the best interest of the state,and when the prince is in peril they turn against him.  Machiavelli reinforces the princes need to be feared by stating Men worry little about doing an injury to one who makes himself loved than to one who makes himself feared. The bond of love is one which men, wretched creatures they are, break when it is to their advantage to do so tho fear is strengthened by a dread of punishment which is perpetually effective.