Machiavellis View Of Human Nature Essay - 1060 Words

Machiavelli’s view of human nature. Machiavelli has long been required reading for everyone intrested in politics and power. In The Prince Niccolo M achiavelli presents a unique view on governing a state. Machiavelli believes the ruling Prince should be the only authority that should determine every aspect of the state and put in effect a policy which would serve his best interests. These interests were gaining, maintaining, and expanding his political power. (Machiavelli,5). His understanding of human nature was a complete contradiction of what everyone believed and taught. Machiavelli strongly promoted a physical society and felt morality was not necessary but in fact stood in the way of an effectively governed principality.†¦show more content†¦He suggests that in order to win honor a prince must be readily willing to deceive the citizens. One way is to quot;show his esteem for talent actively encouraging the able and honouring those who excel in their professions†, this is because he thinks that by encouraging citizens to excel at their professions he would also be encouraging them to work better in order to ameliorate the welfare of the country. (Machiavelli,56). These measures, although they are carried out in deception, they would bring the prince honor and trust amongst the citizens, especially those who were in a position where they could be his enemys. In addition, Machiavelli assumes that a prince must also deceive those who attempt to flatter him. When choosing wise men for his government and allowing them the freedom to speak the truth to him only in the things which they are sked about. But he should also question them toughly and listen to what they say; then he should make up his own mind.(Machiavelli, 76). Since each person will only advice the prince in accord to his own interests, the prince must act on his own consent. Machiavelli discourages action to taken otherwise quot;...since men will always do badly by [the prince] unless they are forced to be virtuous.quot;13 Machiavelli actively promoted a secular form of politics. He laid aside the Medieval conception quot;of the state as a necessary creation for humankinds spiritual, material, and socialShow MoreRelatedEssay on Machiavellis The Prince: Politics, War, and Human Nature1334 Words   |  6 PagesMachiavellis The Prince: Politics, War, and Human Nature [I]t is necessary for a prince to know well how to use the beast and the man. (Machiavelli, The Prince, p. 69[1]). In this swift blow, Niccolà ² Machiavelli seems to strike down many visions of morality put up on pedestals by thinkers before his time. He doesnt turn to God or to some sort of common good for his political morality. 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