... the turmoil of the Italian city-states at the time. Spanish victory in 1512 provided for the return of the Medici's to Florence and the exile of the Republican government, including Machiavelli. It was then that Machiavelli turned to writing about political philosophy because he couldn't practice politics in real life anymore, and what emerged was one of the greatest works on politics ever written: The Prince. When he wrote The Prince, Machiavelli ... common people presents them as inherently superficial, selfish, and treacherous. The suggestion that only fear can command the loyalty of s...

• Word Count: 2510
• Approx Pages: 10
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... 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