Brian Fratto
10/2
The purpose of
Machiavelli’s “Qualities of the Prince” is to provide instructions for how a
prince is supposed to conduct himself when faced with certain conflicts that
affect himself and his people. He writes
about military issues, generosity, loyalty, and other issues that have an
impact on the reputation and power of the prince. Machiavelli, who lived in
Florence, Italy, during the rule of the Medici princes, essentially wrote the
passage directly to the Medici, to educate and inspire them to save Italy from
the imposing power of other bordering countries.
In the first chapter of
the reading, Machiavelli discusses the responsibilities of a prince during
times of war and peace. “A prince therefore, must not have any other object nor
any other thought, nor must he take anything as his profession but war, its
institutions, and its discipline, because that is the only profession which
benefits one who commands.” According to Machiavelli, a good prince is a strong
one who uses his power to instill fear in his people, and the people of other
countries. Similarly, Machiavelli discusses whether it is better for a prince
to be feared or loved by his people. In accordance with his views of military
and generosity, Machiavelli states that princes should aspire to be merciful,
however, “he must take care not to misuse this mercy.” According to
Machiavelli, it is safer for the prince to be feared by his followers than to loved.
However, Machiavelli also states that a prince should avoid being despised. “The
prince who projects such an [trustworthy] opinion of himself is greatly esteemed;
and it is difficult to conspire against a man with such a reputation.”
Machiavelli essentially
states that a prince should take any means necessary in order to further his
power and control. However, he also states that a prince should do everything
in their power to avoid being hated and despised by others. His
consequentialist standpoint contradicts many of his other claims in his writing.
