The prime reason for losing power is neglect of military matters; while being an expert soldier opens the way to the acquisition of power," (Machiavelli). In analyzing this quote one can easily retain that Machiavelli believed in militia over all other aspects of leading a state. If a leader found any other aspect of his job to be more important then he would surely fail. Machiavelli's philosophy was better explained by stating that men, proven through history, respect power but take advantage of kindness. Based on his readings and studies of the past leaders, Machiavelli concluded that all men tend to listen to and respect those that ruled them however if a leader were to show kindness he would surely be walked all over till he was overthrown. To express this philosophy of power better, Machiavelli explains it yet another way. Destroy or be destroyed. This statement goes along with the latter. A leader needs to be assertive and not allow others to invade his state. If issues ensue, to not temporarily fix the problem. The problem will arise again, therefore destroy them while you can. Also if a problem arises do not try to avoid war, instead stare it straight in the face and destroy the problem. By postponing the war one only sets himself up for war at a more inopportune time. .
Machiavelli moves forward from his military tactics to explain how a prince should live. Straight off he makes it perfectly clear that the prince should be the military leader. He continues on to say that a prince should be virtuous, strong, confident, and intellectual. Machiavelli believes that a man's fortune only controls half of human action, while man himself controls the other half. Suppose one is born into royalty or leadership by his inheritance. Just because they are destined to be leaders does not necessarily mean they have what it takes to make it. This is why man himself controls his other half.
