Statecraft
...d, to have a strong country one must have a strong army. Last, a prince needs to avoid contempt and hatred. The first lesson in statecraft is to be like a great leader before thee. A wise prince should imitate and follow in the footsteps of the other great leaders before him. Imitation will not equal you with their abilities. Princes should aim very high, if they hit a target much lower, it was still worth it to aim high. To be a great leader one had to be great. To be great a prince one had to do a couple of things right. A prince had to be considered great by other or his people. So if people thought he was great then he had to be liked or respected. So if prince rules like a great leader-s before him than he will be liked. If the people than like a prince he would have more power over them. With more power over the people the time in which he is in power will last longer. Also once in favor of the people a ruler of the state or country can do things to benefit himself without that many people complaining. Second, to have a strong country a ruler must have a strong and faithful military. If a ruler wants to stay in power for long period of time then he must show that he is strong. By showing that you are strong you must have a strong military. A ruler must have a strong military mainly for two reasons; the first is to keep his subjects in line as well as to give them pride in their country. If the military is strong then not to many revolts will break out for in fear of the military, and if the military is strong more people will join the country for safety meaning more subject, more taxes, more money. The second main reason is to show off your country to foreigners. Once a ruler’s military is strong he can defend his country from invasion and win wars. Also with military strong fewer countries will oppose the ruler, you,. With fewer countries trying to oppose the ruler his term in power will lengthen. When people see a man with a lot of power they either praise him or fear him. Both are good because the ones who praise you will like you increasing your power. If you are feared no one will rally mess with you, the ruler. By having a strong military you increase your power over people, which is good for the ruler. Last a prince – ruler should avoid hatred and contempt. To be a good ruler one mustn’t be hated because it lowers one’s power. When liked a ruler hasn’t to many problems concerning his subjects. But when hated, a ruler has many problems to consider. When hated a ruler has to fear revolts by his subjects. When hated many people will then try to lower your power to get your power. Or in other words it will be very easy to be ove...