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MACHIAVELLI'S VIEW OF HUMAN NATURE - Paper

MACHIAVELLI'S VIEW OF HUMAN NATURE

In The Prince Niccolo Machiavelli presents a view of governing a
state that is drastically different from that of humanists of his time.
Machiavelli believes the ruling Prince should be the sole authority
determining every aspect of the state and put in effect a policy which
would serve his best interests. These interests were gaining, maintaining,
and expanding his political power.1 His understanding 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 but in fact stood in the way of an effectively governed
principality.2 Though in come cases Machiavelli's suggestions ...

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time of adversity, when the state is in need of it's citizens
there are few to be found."5 Machiavelli further goes on to question the
loyalty of the citizens and advises the Prince that "...because men a
wretched creatures who would not keep their word to you, you need keep
your word to them."6 However, Machiavelli did not feel 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 greedy for profit;
while you treat them well they are yours."7 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 danger they turn against [him]."8
Machiavelli reinforces the prince's need to be feared ...

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MACHIAVELLI'S VIEW OF HUMAN NATURE. (2006, May 30). Retrieved January 12, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/MACHIAVELLIS-VIEW-OF-HUMAN-NATURE/46767

"MACHIAVELLI'S VIEW OF HUMAN NATURE." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 30 May. 2006. Web. 12 Jan. 2026. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/MACHIAVELLIS-VIEW-OF-HUMAN-NATURE/46767>

"MACHIAVELLI'S VIEW OF HUMAN NATURE." Essayworld.com. May 30, 2006. Accessed January 12, 2026. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/MACHIAVELLIS-VIEW-OF-HUMAN-NATURE/46767.

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 5/30/2006 05:00:36 PM
Category: Book Reports
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 1088
Pages: 4

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