Virtu

Virtù In Machiavelli’s The Prince, in order to be a successful ruler, a statesman must possess virtù. The Machiavellian principle of virtù begins with the idea that a ruler must be prudent and cautious, and in times of peace he may be non-violent. Yet, if the situation calls for it, he needs to take bold, decisive action, at any cost. It can be appropriate to lie and make false promises, as well as to …

…or men will seek revenge if their possessions or wives are taken away. Also, if he become generous he runs the risk of losing the populace support, either by not being able to satisfy all their wants, or by needing to tax them when financial resources are wasted in generosity. A successful statesman will behave in a fashion that wins him the support of his citizens, but also serves his greatest priority, remaining politically powerful.