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... Authors Machiavelli and More are considered to have been visionaries of political thought, philosophy, and human nature. ... Although both Machiavelli and More spoke explicitly concerning human nature they had rather opposing view points. Machiavelli believed that people are generally self- interested and naturally evil beings that needed to be controlled. ...
Although many critics consider The Prince a satire, most see Machiavelli’s work as a serious attempt to lay the groundwork for the reunification of Italy under the Medici family of Florence. Machiavelli’s idea that the model prince should use a variety of tactics to secure his power, basically that the end justifies the means is the most controversial issue raised in The Prince. Knowing that this notion would not be universally accepted, Machiavelli, through his book, tries to justify his idea by showing that men are inherently evil. ... Machiavelli states that people are generally self- interested and their affections for others can be won and lost. ... Machiavelli’s statements concerning human nature often serve as justification for much of his advice to princes. ...
Though humanists of Machiavellis time believed that an individual had much to offer to the well being of the state, Machiavelli was quick to mock human nature. ... " ( Machiavelli, The Prince.) Machiavelli generally distrusted citizens, stating that ". ... " ( Machiavelli, The Prince.) Machiavelli further goes on to question the loyalty of the citizens and advises the Prince that ". ... " Thus, Machiavelli gives a general overview of human behavior, hoping that future princes can establish peace and security in their kingdoms, using this basic knowledge. The successful prince will be able to determine the best course of action, not based on a strict moral or even political code, but simply Machiavelli’s general logic on human nature.
Approximate Word count = 1399
Approximate Pages = 5.6
(250 words per page double spaced)
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