Niccolo Machiavelli vs. Thomas More : Defining Human Nature

It is difficult to determine Niccolo Machiavelli’s and Thomas More’s view on human’s nature. Each took a different approach to the topic. Through Utopia, Thomas More attempted to change man’s thinking by creating an ideological society. Niccolo Machiavelli, through The Prince, attempted to teach man how to deal with human nature. With this in mind, Machiavelli’s concept is much more realistic than More’s; therefore Machiavelli better represents human nature.

Machiavelli’s view of human nature in The Prince, presents, on the surface, a view of governing a state drastically different for his time. Machaivelli believed that the ruling Prince should be the sole authority determining every aspect of the state and put into effect a policy which would serve his best interests. With this, Machiavelli uses the prince as man, and the state as the man’s life. These interests were gaining, maintaining, and expand

comes down to it, one man will overtake the other to better himself; and with this there will

More, Thomas. “Utopia.” Current Issues & Enduring Questions. Ed. Sylvan and Hugo Bedau.

At first glance, Thomas More’s Utopia appears as a socialist, communist society; however, if Utopia is a truly socialist state, then one can see that oppression is inescapable. It is clear that More attempted to create an egalitarian society to better the people as a whole, and not individually. His descriptions of the institutions of Utopia (i.e., A day in Utopia, The household, Utopian Beliefs, and Treatment of the dying) was precise and so well formatted that it is difficult to see any flaws, without peering deeply into his words.

Machiavelli generally distrusted citizens, stating that “…since men are a sorry lot and will not keep their promises to you, you likewise need not keep yours to them” (Machiavelli

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Approximate Word count = 1454
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)