the prince

The Prince What is Machiavelli's view of human nature? While reading The Prince, I have come to a conclusion that Machiavelli demonstrates a view of governing a state that is so different from that of humanists of his time thought. The humanists of Machiavelli's time believed that an individual had a lot to offer to the well being of the state and should be able to help in whatever way necessary. Humanists also believed that …

…the benefit of the prince, in helping him maintain power rather than to serve to the well being of the citizens. He goes on to state that a man who wants to act virtuously in every way necessarily comes to grief among those who are not ethical. Therefore, if a prince wants to maintain his rule he must learn not to be so admirable, and to make use of this or not according to need.