Niccolo Machiavelli was from the elite class in Renaissance Florence. During this time Italy divided into city-states that was threatened by French and Spainish invasions. Machiavelli wrote The Prince (1513) to call for united efforts to defend Italy from these powerful countries. Using his argumentative analyses, Machiavelli instructs the prince on how to maintain his power and his state. He advised the prince to be constantly ready for war, not always keep his promises, and try to appear good all the time.
Military preparations and experiences are very important to maintain a prince's power. Machiavelli affirms a prince "must not have any other object nor any other thought, nor must he take anything as his profession but war, its institution, and its discipline; because that is the only profession which befits one who commands..." (36). Armed men have the power to deal with most issues and solve most problems. Machia
Taking shrewd actions are more important than keeping promises. Machiavelli points out "...one sees from the experience of our times that the princes who have accomplished great deeds are those who have little for keeping their promises and who have known how to manipulate the minds of men by shrewdness; and in the end they have surpassed those who laid their foundation upon honesty."(44). He uses the fox and lion images to present his points of view. The fox represents a person knowing when he should keep the promises, and how to break his promises when it is necessary to do so. The lion is the symbol of physical power. A prince, according to Machiavelli, has to be both lion and fox. The "lion" power will help to protect the prince and give him chances to use the "fox " shrewdness. The "fox" shrewdness will walk the ruler with "lion" power through difficult situations. Alexander VI was a successful ruler even though he ma
Example Essays Home
