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The Prince



             office. Historical context and his background motivated the premise of his writings. .
             Machiavelli's life spanned a period of "increasing spiritual and civic corruption- .
             coupled paradoxically with a "splendid cultural rebirth in Florentine life."" (Ruffo-Fiore .
             1982, 3) Based on these historical events combined with "Florentine republicanism and .
             humanism together with Medicean politics-, (Skinner 1981, 25) Machiavelli was able to .
             convert his frustration into writing an informative and concise guidebook for princes to .
             establish and maintain a powerful state. .
             Machiavelli outlines what he believes will bring success to a prince. He first .
             discusses two important elements of success. He first identifies Virt , or the ability to .
             lead, as "strength, wisdom, courage- (Ruffo-Fiore 1982, 37). He also defines Fortune, or .
             fate determined by God's influence, as "willful, arbitrary, and indiscriminate-. (Ruffo-.
             Fiore 1982, 38). Whether territory is "acquired either by fortune or by prowess", .
             (Machiavelli (Bull) 1961, 11 ) he believes that the amount of difficulty a prince faces .
             depends on "the degree of ability" he possesses (Machiavelli (Bull) 1961, 12 .
             Machiavelli's admires leaders that have the skill to take advantage of any prospect and .
             gain benefits from it. He reiterates that those who "depend on their own resources", .
             "rarely fail" (Machiavelli (Bull) 1961, 13 ) when shaping their ideals into reality. Leaders .
             endowed with virt are have the ability to enforce their will on unpredictable social .
             situations. They do this through a combination of strong will, strength, and brilliant and .
             strategic calculation. He admits that fortune is necessary for a prince's success, but .
             Machiavelli expects a ruler to have the virt for the incipience and maintenance of a.
             strong dominion.
             For a strong and stable government, a ruler must attain the qualities of virt , .
             fortune, as well as adaptability, reputation, control and lastly dedication.


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