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. ... Machiavelli feels that when "properly human means" will not suffice, it is particularly useful to "imitate beats" especially to emulate the fox and the lion: "for the lion is liable to be trapped, whereas the fox cannot ward off wolves. One needs, then, to be a fox to recognize traps, and a lion to frighten away wolves. Those who rely m...

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• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: Undergraduate