Machiavelli?s View Of Human Nature Essay example -- essays research pa

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. When the ruler is in danger they turn against him. Machiavelli reinforces the prince's need to be feared by stating: â€Å" Men worry less about doing an injusry to one who makes himself loved than to one who makes himself feard. For love is secured by a bond of gratitude which men, wretched creatures that they are, break when it is to their advantage to do so; but fear is strengthened by a dread of punishement which is always effective.†... ...w Italy beseeches God to send someone to save her from those barbarous cruelties and outrages; see how eager and willing the country is to follow a banner, if someone will raise it.18 Although Italy had become the center of intellectual, artistic and cultural development, Machiavelli did not feel these qualities would help in securing Italy's political future. His opinion was that Italy required a leader who could have complete control over Italy's citizens and institutions. One way of maintaining control of was to institute a secular form of government. This would allow the prince to govern without being morally bound. Machiavelli's view of human nature was not in accord to that of humanists who felt that an individual could greatly contribute to the well being of the society. Machiavelli, however felt that people generally tended to work for their own best interests and gave little obligation to the well being of the state. Although Machiavelli doubted that this form of government could ever be established it did appear several years after he wrote The Prince. Machiavelli has become to be regarded as "the founder of modern day, secular politics."