... the prince determines is necessary to achieve the ends sought. Under this system the "good of the state" becomes the highest good. The good of the state overrides everything else. As Machiavelli states: "It must be understood that a prince cannot observe all those things which are consider good in men, being often obliged, in order to maintain the state, to act against charity, against humanity, and against religion . . .it is necessary for a prince ... wishing to hold his own to know how to do wrong." This includes cruelties committed or permitted for restoration of order and the safet...

• Word Count: 3155
• Approx Pages: 13
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... to his own interests and the aspects of the state. Such interests were expanding, gaining, and maintaining the political power they had. Machiavelli had a negative view on human nature which was a clear message in his writings based on human weakness like The Prince. Indeed, in The Prince Machiavelli describes the many pessimistic traits that are derived among human individuals. "They are sustained by the ancient principles of religion, which are so powerful ... and of such authority that they keep their princes in power whatever they do, however they live. These are the only princes wh...

• Word Count: 1235
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... how to be a great ruler. To be a great ruler one must in a first place be a good person and according to Machiavelli to be a good person one should have these five qualities: compassion, honor, humanity, integrity, and religion. However, the following question arises, if a prince possesses all those fine qualities that make him a good person how can he be a great ruler who must be mortal ... and cruel, and according to Machiavelli, " no prince should mind being called cruel for what he does to keep his subjects united and ... criminals will lead to thefts, killings, sexual assaults, an...

• Word Count: 961
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate