Through reading The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli and Henry Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience," one can see the stark differences between both their views of politics and even society. Machiavelli is a man who has a strong belief that prudence should be exerted under all costs when in a position of power. Prudence means that one should be calculated in all their actions while also knowing when to be wise and ruthless. This behavior must be instilled in the Prince or his reign will last fairly short. Thoreau believes as opposed to Machiavelli believes that "Government is best which governs least." Thoreau is a strong supporter of anarchist movement, and believes that a state of anarchy is best for the world. This belief fuels his thoughts in the political arena. The underlying truth behind his anarchist views, is his strong belief in morality and confidence in people's ability to come together. He feels the state should be left in the hands of the people, and his various stances lead to that final goal. As it stands, Machiavelli and Thoreau have various beliefs on politics; however the key division between the two philosophers is the place of morality has in it.
Machiavelli's arguments are essentially split into two sectors, Fortuna and Virtu. Fortuna means fortune, but Machiavelli doesn't necessarily define the word in a conventional manner. By fortune, he means that everything is left to chance, while nothing will guarantee that a certain event will occur. Machiavelli writes that a "Great long standing Prince never rules with fortune." Through risk and chance, one leaves him open to failure; thus action should be withheld if an element of chance is involved. By virtu, Machiavelli means both virtue and prudence. He defines virtue as acting exceptionally and draws a distinction between morality and virtue. In many respects Machiavelli defines virtue by prudence. If a ruler is able to balance his violence, keep his subjects appeased, and have a dire understanding of his threats then in Machiavelli's eyes the ruler has a strong virtue.
