In Chapter VI of The Prince, Machiavelli proposes that it is opportunities that allow princes to shape things, which in turn makes them fortunate. It is these opportunities, according to Machiavelli, that allow the great qualities of the prince to show and his merits allow his good fortune to become success. This theory seems to be valid. Machiavelli provides us with examples from such great mythological figures as Moses and Romulus. He proposes that these men would not have been as great as they were had they not been given the opportunities that they were afforded.

Machiavelli’s theory seems to continue to be vali

Machiavelli believes that men are prosperous as long as there is agreement between fortune and man. This statement emphasizes his belief that preparedness may result in misfortune becoming an opportunity for success. While fortune and man may not always have the same plan, if man has an alternate plan, to which he can resort should his fortune change, it is possible for man to be triumphant.

However, there is some validity to the theory that failure is the result of poor fortune. Machiavelli clearly illustrates this with his example relating to the rule of Duke Valentino and his misfortune of illness coinciding with the death of his father. While Duke Valentino had many well-laid plans for his rule following his father’s death, he became quite ill when his father did pass and, as a result, was unable to carry out all of his plans.

Machiavelli argues that fortune changes and that man does not. He does not believe that it is worthwhile to concern ones self with possibilities and asserts that everything must be left to chance. However, he continues to suggest that man should be prepared for changes in fortune so as to handle these changes in the best way possible. His argument is that if a prince is prepared to misfortune, it may not be as unfortunate as if he has not been prepared. He even ventures as far as to say that a well-prepared prince may be able to turn misfortune into an opportunity for success.

In Chapter XIV, Machiavelli states that being unarmed is one of many misfortunes that can cause a ruler to be despised. In order to avoid this misfortune, he advises that a prince should learn the mastery of the art of war. Machiavelli discusses at length his views on fortune. This excerpt appears to be one of the few instances where he suggests how to avoid misfortune and turn the favor of both the people and enemies of the empire towards the prince. It seems that Machiavelli believes that while fortune is not easily controlled, there are some instances where it can be maneuvered towards the espousal of the prince.

Machiavelli discusses fortune at length in Chapter XXV of The Prince. He proposes the way in which he believes fortune should be viewed. He suggests that while fortune seems uncontrollable, it can be directed, but only if one prepares for possible changes beforehand. Preparedness for changes in fortune is a theme that echoes throughout The Prince. He emphasizes that a good prince must be willing to adapt to fortune and able to alter his behavior according to the circumstance.

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