Machiavelli's View of Human Nature
Machiavelli's view of human nature.
Machiavelli has long been required reading for everyone intrested in politics and power. In The Prince Niccolo M
achiavelli presents a unique view on governing a state. Machiavelli believes the ruling Prince should be the only authority that
should determine every aspect of the state and put in effect a policy which would serve his best interests. These interests
were gaining, maintaining, and expanding his political power. (Machiavelli,5). His understanding of human nature was a
complete contradiction of what everyone believed and taught. Machiavelli strongly promoted a physical society and felt
morality was not necessary but in fact stood in the way of an effectively governed principality. (Machiavelli,5). Although in
some cases Machiavelli's suggestions seem harsh and immoral one must remember that these views were derived from his
concern for the welfare of his country.
At Machiavelli's time everyone believed that an individual had much to offer to the well being of the state, Machiavelli
was quick to mock human nature. He truly believed that humans are not ready to serve their country unless there is a special
benefit to them as individuals. Machiavelli further goes on to question the loyalty of the citizens and advises the Prince that men
never keep their word to you so you should never keep youre word to them. (Machiavelli,6). However, Machiavelli did not
feel that a Prince should mistreat the citizens. This suggestion is only to serve the Prince's best interests.
If a prince can not be both feared and loved, Machiavelli suggests, it would be better for him to be feared by the citizens
within his own principality. He makes the generalization that men are, "ungrateful, fickle, liars, and deceivers they shun danger
and greedy for profit".(Machiavelli, 54). He characterizes men as being self centered and not willing to act in the best interest of
the state.
Machiavelli has long been required reading for everyone intrested in politics and power. In The Prince Niccolo M
achiavelli presents a unique view on governing a state. Machiavelli believes the ruling Prince should be the only authority that
should determine every aspect of the state and put in effect a policy which would serve his best interests. These interests
were gaining, maintaining, and expanding his political power. (Machiavelli,5). His understanding of human nature was a
complete contradiction of what everyone believed and taught. Machiavelli strongly promoted a physical society and felt
morality was not necessary but in fact stood in the way of an effectively governed principality. (Machiavelli,5). Although in
some cases Machiavelli's suggestions seem harsh and immoral one must remember that these views were derived from his
concern for the welfare of his country.
At Machiavelli's time everyone believed that an individual had much to offer to the well being of the state, Machiavelli
was quick to mock human nature. He truly believed that humans are not ready to serve their country unless there is a special
benefit to them as individuals. Machiavelli further goes on to question the loyalty of the citizens and advises the Prince that men
never keep their word to you so you should never keep youre word to them. (Machiavelli,6). However, Machiavelli did not
feel that a Prince should mistreat the citizens. This suggestion is only to serve the Prince's best interests.
If a prince can not be both feared and loved, Machiavelli suggests, it would be better for him to be feared by the citizens
within his own principality. He makes the generalization that men are, "ungrateful, fickle, liars, and deceivers they shun danger
and greedy for profit".(Machiavelli, 54). He characterizes men as being self centered and not willing to act in the best interest of
the state.