Machiavelli's Argument Analysis

In the assigned passage, Machiavelli reveals that there are particular qualities to being an effective leader, one of which is how a ruler keeps his word. A ruler must acquire trust within his state and among his people in order to be a successful leader. This is done by keeping his word and remaining honest when possible, but more importantly, adapting to his environment and appearing to be honorable when holding his word becomes unpractical. In this paper I will argue in agreement with Machiavelli that the survival of a successful state is dependent upon a ruler’s ability to adapt and maintain his reputation.