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Niccolo Machiavelli's 'The Prince'

Decent Essays

The Prince; Questions
1. During the time just previous to the book, Machiavelli held civic posts within the government while the Medici was out of power. During a point, the Medici regained political power and Mr. Machiavelli’s job was taken. Machiavelli then wrote, The Prince, as what appears to be a plea to the
Medici.
2. Three theme’s
a. Human Nature – Machiavelli numerously brings up traits of the human nature explaining how humans are happy if they aren’t the victim. Also, humans will become selfish as well as greedy in adversity. “Love endures by a bond… scoundrels may break whenever it serves their advantage”.
b. Warcraft – Machiavelli finds it of great importance to have a strong military saying “the presence of sound military forces …show more content…

Machiavelli’s opinion is that being feared is better than being loved since individuals can more easily break the bond of love whereas fear “is supported by the dread of pain” . In my opinion a ruler cannot be both loved and hated by the same individual as actions from this ruler either build a love or hate emotions for the Prince.
9. Machiavelli describes Hannibal as having “inhuman cruelty” but with “boundless valor” making him revered from enemies. It appears that the author is suggesting that he is a great role model for future princes as he describes Hannibal as “wonderful” in chapter 17. In addition, Machiavelli believes Scipio is an “excellent man” with “consistent military discipline” which allowed Scipio to become glorious. Machiavelli brings both rulers up to show that his opinion that being feared is better for a Prince in these real world examples.
10. In chapter 18, the 2 qualities for a great leader are symbolized by the fox and lion. For example, the fox is smart to escape but physically weak to defend himself where the lion lacks knowledge to escape but is physically strong enough to defend himself. In the myth Chiron, the wisest of the centaurs changes form to escape just like a leader needs to change depending on the situation to be an excellent

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