In "The Prince," Machiavelli claims that "I say that every prince ought to wish to be considered kind rather than cruel. ... Machiavelli, however, prefers to see the initial tendency toward self-preservation as a source of fear." ... Machiavelli says that "disorders harm the entire citizenry, while the executions ordered by a prince harm only a few individuals." ... God the King The worldly characteristics of Machiavelli's prince are in contrast with the godly attributes of God as King. ... Whereas the Machiavellian ruler finds his power from his subjects, God finds his power and authorit...

• Word Count: 3087
• Approx Pages: 12
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

Machiavelli begins by identifying the various types of governments seen up to that time. ... For Machiavelli maintaining existence of the state and power become ends in themselves. ... One of the unique observations Machiavelli makes is the importance of economy in finances. ... On the subject of the use and misuse of cruelty, Machiavelli warns against the misuse of mercy. ... As a corollary to this Machiavelli addresses whether a prince should be loved or feared. ...

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

Machiavelli's ideal prince is an individual that is emotionless. ... In Machiavelli's defense, he does explain that the job of a prince isn't for everyone. ... Many politicians use Machiavelli's writing techniques to get their point across. ... Many people have opinions on the way we should be governed but few if any other than machiavellian, have claimed the authority to write a straightforward book on the subject. Infact, he finds his opinions so factual that he neglects to establish himself as an authority before proceeding into the book. ...

• Word Count: 2654
• Approx Pages: 11