Machiavelli Vs Hobbes

Machiavelli versus Hobbs.
Philosophers of Political Realism and Self Interest In this paper, I will be taking ideas from two philosophers, Niccolo Machiavelli and Thomas Hobbes. Specifically, I will be focusing on the agreement and disagreement of the two philosophers listed above. Based on my interpretation from the two text, there has been an agreement between Machiavelli and Hobbes which states that there should be a strong central government to protect and control the people. The two have the same theory but they have different views of morality in governance about the ruler/sovereign which entails the disagreement of the two.
Machiavelli Quote One In this paragraph I will be looking at the quote, “Whether it be better to be loved than feared or feared than loved? It may be answered that one should wish to be both, but, because it is difficult to unite them in one person, it is much safer to be feared than loved, when, of the two, either must be dispensed with”( direct quote from text). What I believe that Machiavelli means with regards to this quote is the sacrifice it takes to be a good leader. Machiavelli also displays the
concept of human nature in the quote by stating to acquire power and maintain power, you want fear in human nature so it can propel the individuals in control to power. However, Machiavelli also points out that the prince must rule by using fear, but not to the point of being hated. Although in a political sense of power, you cannot always please everyone, as a leader you may need to do bad things but in saying that, you always want people to like you as much as they can. As a leader who wants to retain his power, he needs to set a good appearance.
Hobbes Quote One

Now I am going to talk about this quote regarding Thomas Hobbes theory, which states “First, because they Covenant, it is to be understood, they are not obliged by former Covenant to any thing repugnant hereunto. And Consequently they that have already Instituted a Common-wealth, being thereby bound by Covenant, to own the Actions, and Judgements of one, cannot lawfully make a new Covenant, amongst themselves, to be obedient to any other, in any thing whatsoever, without his permission” (Direct Quote from Text). This quote is describing Hobbes perspective about the sovereign that in a commonwealth community everyone makes a Covenant with everyone else to give one individual or group which is in Hobbes theory described as the sovereign, the right to represent them and enforce covenants. The need for a sovereign is a way of maintaining the comfort and survival for people and for others it’s a fear of punishment. Machiavelli and Hobbes are two philosophers who are both concerned in the state of nature, the constant war and threat of wars among people that they both share a similarity of having a middle man, the sovereign for Hobbes and the prince for Machiavelli.
Hobbes has more of a scientific theory behind his matter, regarding the idea of sovereign power. A sovereign is a powerful political ruler who controls the people to behave accordingly, in hopes that it will help secure, control and support commonwealth. Machiavelli believes that he can help a men control more of his future by educating them on how to gain and maintain power. Machiavelli advocates strong leadership throughout the entire text. For both, the agreement of having a strong ruler and political power in society is very well
needed.
Machiavelli Quote Two
Hobbes Quote Two
Compare their two statements of disagreement Although both these philosophers touch on the importance of having a well-defined ruler, they went about their theories in total opposite directions regarding their beliefs in the immunity of a ruler. Machiavelli believes that a ruler can be advocate to immoral actions using his power, Machiavelli also has a strong opinion on what he believes and considers is right for a ruler. Hobbes in turns believes that it is impossible for a ruler to be unjust towards his subject due to them having made to covenant with the sovereign.