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The prince


            
             The Prince is based on the failure of past Italian rulers and concludes with an impassioned plea to the future rulers of the nation. Machiavelli asserts the belief that only Larenzo de" Medici, to whom the book is dedicated, can restore Italy's honor and pride. He wrote this as a practical guide for ruling. The Prince is very straight forward. It provides practical, easily understandable realistic advice. Some of his best subjects he brings up is regarding to the militia, liberality and niggardliness, and fear and love. .
             Machiavelli's gives many good points on the prince regarding to the militia. He first states "A Prince should have no other aim or thought, nor take up any other thing for his study, but war and its organization and discipline, for that is the only art that is necessary to one who commands, and it is of such virtue that it not only maintains those who are born princes, but often enables men of private fortune to attain to that rank" (345). This is saying you must never let anything get your mind off of war. He also says you need to learn your country so you can define it better. For example, the land and things you can use to your own advantage. Finally, he talks about how you should never let your thoughts stray from war even when you"re not in war. When doing this you can stay in shape for war and better yourself when you are not in action.
             The question is which is best liberality or Niggardliness? Machiavelli's opinion is to stay about in the middle, keep it moderate. To be too liberal is to be weak because people will start to take advantage of you. For example Machiavelli states "Beginning now with the first qualities above named, I say that it would be well to be considered liberal; nevertheless liberality such as the world understands it will injure you, because if used virtuously and in the proper way , it will not be known, and you will incur the disgrace of the contrary vice"(347).


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