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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 ...

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Machiavelli's View Of Human Nature. (2006, September 12). Retrieved January 10, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Machiavellis-View-Of-Human-Nature/52281

"Machiavelli's View Of Human Nature." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 12 Sep. 2006. Web. 10 Jan. 2026. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Machiavellis-View-Of-Human-Nature/52281>

"Machiavelli's View Of Human Nature." Essayworld.com. September 12, 2006. Accessed January 10, 2026. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Machiavellis-View-Of-Human-Nature/52281.

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 9/12/2006 07:38:25 PM
Category: Book Reports
Type: Free Paper
Words: 1086
Pages: 4

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