MACHIAVELLIS VIEW OF HUMAN NATURE

A detailed Summary of MACHIAVELLIS VIEW OF HUMAN NATURE

In The Prince Niccolo Machiavelli presents a view of governing a

state that is drastically different from that of humanists of his time.

Machiavelli believes the ruling Prince should be the sole authority

determining 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.1 His understanding of

human nature was a complete contradiction of what humanists believed and

taught. Machiavelli strongly promoted a secular society and felt

morality was not necessary but in fact stood in the way of an

effectively governed principality.2 Though in come cases Machiavelli's

suggestions seem harsh and immoral one must remember that these views

were derived out of concern Italy's unstable political condition.3

Though humanists of Machiavelli's time believed that an individual

had much to offer to the well being of the state, Machiavelli was quick

to mock human nature. Humanists believed that "An individual only

'grows to maturity- both intellectually and morally- through

participation' in the life of the state."4 Machiavelli generally

distrusted citizens, stating that "...in time of adversity, when the

that people generally tended to work for their own best interests and

help in securing Italy's political future. His opinion was that Italy

Machiavelli postulates that a prince must also deceive those who

cruelties and outrages; see how eager and willing the country is to

Approximate Word count = 1063
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Politics

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