Machiavelli is not saying simply that "the end justifies the means"; that would be a dangerous oversimplification of Machiavelli's intentions that, if put into practice, would lead to a great many actions that Machiavelli would certainly not approve. ... On three separate instances Machiavelli has given examples of leaders - Agathocles the Sicilian, Oliverotto of Fermo and Cesare Borgia - all of whom acquired power primarily as a result of wicked deeds. While the details differ slightly, each leader typically summoned the most powerful men to one place under false pretences and after kill...

• Word Count: 1733
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

As a manual for leaders and those hoping to attain power, it lists the qualities a leader must possess, the skills a leader must attain, and stresses what a leader must be willing to do in order to maintain his power and position for the continued existence of the state. Machiavelli begins by identifying the various types of governments seen up to that time. ... He stresses the use of native troops who have a loyalty to their leader and their country is the ideal composition for a successful military force by citing the example of Phillip of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. ... For Ma...

• Word Count: 3155
• Approx Pages: 13
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

The application of virtu by any leader--any prince--presents the road to political health; a strong active ruler who is deft and crafty will probably, according to Machiavelli, always gain a respectable amount of power. ... Both agreee on the idea of the Noble Lie, or lie told by the leader to the believing masses for their own good. ... So Machiavelli equates his prescriptions with such. ... , he must obey Machiavelli. ... Indeed, Machiavelli is subscribing to his own prescription. ...

• Word Count: 1699
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Love (in Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince) The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli is the book that was based on examples of princes and other rulers of Spain, Italy, and other European countries at the time of Renaissance. ... To be a great ruler one must in a first place be a good person and according to Machiavelli to be a good person one should have these five qualities: compassion, honor, humanity, integrity, and religion. ... Machiavelli goes on to say that if one has and exercises all those qualities that make him a good person it can be harmful. ... The prince may not allow this to...

• Word Count: 961
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate