... about people, Machiavelli's writings seem to be aimed toward aristocrats because they make oppression and deceit acceptable means to an end. Dostoevsky, through the Grand Inquisitor through Ivan, gives us a very disheartening outlook on human nature. The Grand Inquisitor tells us that people don't need to think for themselves; in fact, they would rather not think for themselves. Indeed, people are much ... happier if they are told what to think, at least according to the Grand Inquisitor. Dostoevsky's reasoning appears to be that people are just too simple-minded to be concerned with fr...

• Word Count: 923
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School