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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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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 by ...

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Machiavelli's View Of Human Nature. (2005, July 1). Retrieved January 12, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Machiavellis-View-Of-Human-Nature/29376

"Machiavelli's View Of Human Nature." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 1 Jul. 2005. Web. 12 Jan. 2026. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Machiavellis-View-Of-Human-Nature/29376>

"Machiavelli's View Of Human Nature." Essayworld.com. July 1, 2005. Accessed January 12, 2026. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Machiavellis-View-Of-Human-Nature/29376.

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 7/1/2005 04:58:07 PM
Category: Book Reports
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 1086
Pages: 4

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