Question
Instructions: Read the following excerpts from the Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli. After reading the
excerpts, answer the accompanying questions with complete sentences and as thoroughly as possible.
As you read, annotate on this page the important information that you feel will be helpful as you answer
the questions. Always remember to justify your answer with evidence from the text.
About Niccolo Machiavelli
Machiavelli was a diplomat who worked for the Republic of Florence. He wrote the Prince in 1513 after
the overthrow of the Republic and his forced exile. It is widely regarded as one of the basic texts of
Western political science and represents a basic change in attitude of government.
The Prince recorded the rules of the game of power politics. Previous writers of political philosophy tried
to describe perfect governments. Machiavelli had a different idea in mind. He wanted to understand
how political leaders could best obtain and maintain power. He thought that trickery and manipulation
was more effective in achieving these goals than honesty. He also thought that acquiring and
maintaining power was more important to rulers than being "good" rulers.
To stay in power, Machiavelli said rulers would have to ignore the lofty ideals of politics which include
honesty, justice, honor and generosity. He posited that rulers needed to adopt whatever means
necessary to gain and maintain power. In the excerpt below, Machiavelli offers advice on the kids of
qualities a wise ruler should possess. As you read the excerpt, think about how useful Machiavelli's
advice would be to rulers in today's world.
Chapter XVII
Whether it is better to be loved than feared
4) A controversy has arisen about this: whether it is better to be loved than feared, or vice versa. My
view is that it is desirable to be both loved AND feared; but it is difficult to achieve both and, if one of
them has to be lacking, it is much safer to be feared than loved.
5) For this may be said of men generally: they are ungrateful, fickle, liars and deceivers. avoiders of
danger, eager for gain. While you benefit from them if they are all devoted to you: they would shed
their blood for you; they offer you their possessions, their lives, and their sons... But when you are hard
pressed, they turn away. A ruler who has relied completely on their promises, and has neglected to
prepare other defenses, will be ruined because friendships that are acquired with money, and not
through greatness and nobility of character, are paid for but not secured, and prove unreliable just
when they are needed.
6) Men are less hesitant about offending or harming a ruler who makes himself less loved than one who
inspires fear. For love is sustained by a bond of gratitude which, because
Nevertheless, a ruler must make himself feared in such a way that, even if he does not become loved, he
does not become hated.
Chapter XVIII
How rulers should keep their promises
7) There are two ways that rulers can approach this topic: one by using laws, the other, force. The first is
appropriate for men, the second for animals, but because the former is often ineffective, one must
sometimes resort to the latter. Therefore, a ruler must know well how to imitate beasts as well as
employing properly human means...
8)...He should imitate both the fox and the lion. for the lion is liable to be trapped. whereas the fox
cannot ward off wolves. One needs, then, to be a fox to recognize traps. and a lion to frighten away
wolves. Those who rely merely upon a lion's strength do not understand matters.
9) Therefore, a prudent ruler cannot keep his word, nor should he, when such fidelity would damage
him, and when the reasons that made him promise are no longer relevant. This advice would not be
sound if all men were upright: but because they are treacherous and would not keep their promises to
you, you should not consider yourself bound to keep your promises to them...
10) A ruler, then, should be very careful about everything he says: to those who see and hear him, he
should seem to be exceptionally merciful, trustworthy, upright, humane and devout... Everyone can see
what you appear to be. whereas few have direct experience with what you really are: and those few will
not dare to challenge the popular view, sustained as it is by the majesty of the ruler's position.
Questions:
Remember to always answer questions in complete sentences. Use the passages above to help
formulate your answer. You will be graded on accuracy and quality of work. Provide evidence from the
passages to support your responses.
1. What must rulers do to stay in power, according to Machiavelli?
2. According to Machiavelli, is it safer to be loved OR feared, and why?
3. According to Machiavelli, what is the general nature of man?
4. What animals should a prince imitate and why?
5. What does Machiavelli say about appearance?
6. Based on your readings, what can you infer regarding Machiavelli's feelings towards the
church and religion?
Niccolò Machiavelli's Background
Niccolò Machiavelli was an independent thinker and a man of many talents; at various times in his life
he was a diplomat, a political writer, a playwright, a historian, a philosopher, and a musician. Born in
1469, he served his native city of Florence in several posts while it was a republic. Later he served as an
emissary, or ambassador of the government, and as general secretary to the chancery, or court. When
the Medici family seized power in Florence, however, Machiavelli found himself on the wrong side, and
in 1513 he was arrested and tortured.
After his imprisonment, he retired to his estate to write several works about power and politics,
including his most famous work: The Prince. In The Prince, Machiavelli expresses his opinions about how
a ruler should really act, as opposed to how churches or teachers profess that the ruler should behave. It
is considered the first text based on a type of harsh, practical approach to governing that advises rulers
about how to obtain and retain power, even as they pretend to be ruled by moral principles and self-
restraint. Most striking is its open admission that self-interest truly motivates most people, no matter
what ethical or moral systems suggest. The term Machiavellian has come to signify the kind of ruthless
scheming, manipulation, and deception that The Prince appears to advocate.
Directions: Read the two excerpts and answer the questions that follow.
“And you have to understand this, that a prince, especially a new one, cannot observe all those things
for which men are esteemed, being often forced, in order to maintain the state, to act contrary to
fidelity [or faith], friendship, humanity, and religion. Therefore, it is necessary for him to have a mind
ready to turn itself accordingly as the winds and variations of fortune force it, yet, as I have said
above, not to diverge from the good if he can avoid doing so, but, if compelled, then to know how to
set about it”.
Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince, 1532
“Because this is to be asserted in general of men, that they are ungrateful, fickle, false, cowardly,
covetous, and as long as you succeed they are yours entirely; they will offer you their blood, property,
life, and children, as is said above, when the need is far distant; but when it approaches they turn
against you. And that prince who, relying entirely on their promises, has neglected other precautions,
is ruined; because friendships that are obtained by payments, and not by greatness or nobility of
mind, may indeed be earned, but they are not secured, and in time of need cannot be relied upon;
and men have less scruple in offending one who is beloved than one who is feared, for love is
preserved by the link of obligation which, owing to the baseness of men, is broken at every
opportunity for their advantage; but fear preserves you by a dread of punishment which never fails”.
Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince, 1532
Analyzing Primary Sources
7. In your own words, explain what Machiavelli advises regarding normal moral ideas such as honesty,
trust, and faithfulness.
8. How does his estimate of human nature affect his position?
Making Generalizations
9. Machiavelli advises those in power that "fear preserves you by a dread of punishment which never
fails." What point is he trying to make?
10. Do you think modern democratic leaders follow Machiavelli's advice?
11. If you do, describe one. If not, explain why such a philosophy cannot work in a true democracy.
Constructing Arguments
Reread the last two sentences of the second excerpt. Many people find Machiavelli's advice about the
need to "have a mind ready to turn itself accordingly as the winds... of fortune force it" and the need to
"diverge from the good" in order to maintain the state to be refreshingly honest and accurate. Others
believe he is wrong to suggest that a ruler should ever "act contrary to faith, friendship, humanity, and
religion."
12. Choose one position and write a statement that expresses your beliefs about it.
13. In general, do you think people are ruled more successfully by fear, or by kindness and love? Explain
why you think as you do.
excerpts, answer the accompanying questions with complete sentences and as thoroughly as possible.
As you read, annotate on this page the important information that you feel will be helpful as you answer
the questions. Always remember to justify your answer with evidence from the text.
About Niccolo Machiavelli
Machiavelli was a diplomat who worked for the Republic of Florence. He wrote the Prince in 1513 after
the overthrow of the Republic and his forced exile. It is widely regarded as one of the basic texts of
Western political science and represents a basic change in attitude of government.
The Prince recorded the rules of the game of power politics. Previous writers of political philosophy tried
to describe perfect governments. Machiavelli had a different idea in mind. He wanted to understand
how political leaders could best obtain and maintain power. He thought that trickery and manipulation
was more effective in achieving these goals than honesty. He also thought that acquiring and
maintaining power was more important to rulers than being "good" rulers.
To stay in power, Machiavelli said rulers would have to ignore the lofty ideals of politics which include
honesty, justice, honor and generosity. He posited that rulers needed to adopt whatever means
necessary to gain and maintain power. In the excerpt below, Machiavelli offers advice on the kids of
qualities a wise ruler should possess. As you read the excerpt, think about how useful Machiavelli's
advice would be to rulers in today's world.
Chapter XVII
Whether it is better to be loved than feared
4) A controversy has arisen about this: whether it is better to be loved than feared, or vice versa. My
view is that it is desirable to be both loved AND feared; but it is difficult to achieve both and, if one of
them has to be lacking, it is much safer to be feared than loved.
5) For this may be said of men generally: they are ungrateful, fickle, liars and deceivers. avoiders of
danger, eager for gain. While you benefit from them if they are all devoted to you: they would shed
their blood for you; they offer you their possessions, their lives, and their sons... But when you are hard
pressed, they turn away. A ruler who has relied completely on their promises, and has neglected to
prepare other defenses, will be ruined because friendships that are acquired with money, and not
through greatness and nobility of character, are paid for but not secured, and prove unreliable just
when they are needed.
6) Men are less hesitant about offending or harming a ruler who makes himself less loved than one who
inspires fear. For love is sustained by a bond of gratitude which, because
Nevertheless, a ruler must make himself feared in such a way that, even if he does not become loved, he
does not become hated.
Chapter XVIII
How rulers should keep their promises
7) There are two ways that rulers can approach this topic: one by using laws, the other, force. The first is
appropriate for men, the second for animals, but because the former is often ineffective, one must
sometimes resort to the latter. Therefore, a ruler must know well how to imitate beasts as well as
employing properly human means...
8)...He should imitate both the fox and the lion. for the lion is liable to be trapped. whereas the fox
cannot ward off wolves. One needs, then, to be a fox to recognize traps. and a lion to frighten away
wolves. Those who rely merely upon a lion's strength do not understand matters.
9) Therefore, a prudent ruler cannot keep his word, nor should he, when such fidelity would damage
him, and when the reasons that made him promise are no longer relevant. This advice would not be
sound if all men were upright: but because they are treacherous and would not keep their promises to
you, you should not consider yourself bound to keep your promises to them...
10) A ruler, then, should be very careful about everything he says: to those who see and hear him, he
should seem to be exceptionally merciful, trustworthy, upright, humane and devout... Everyone can see
what you appear to be. whereas few have direct experience with what you really are: and those few will
not dare to challenge the popular view, sustained as it is by the majesty of the ruler's position.
Questions:
Remember to always answer questions in complete sentences. Use the passages above to help
formulate your answer. You will be graded on accuracy and quality of work. Provide evidence from the
passages to support your responses.
1. What must rulers do to stay in power, according to Machiavelli?
2. According to Machiavelli, is it safer to be loved OR feared, and why?
3. According to Machiavelli, what is the general nature of man?
4. What animals should a prince imitate and why?
5. What does Machiavelli say about appearance?
6. Based on your readings, what can you infer regarding Machiavelli's feelings towards the
church and religion?
Niccolò Machiavelli's Background
Niccolò Machiavelli was an independent thinker and a man of many talents; at various times in his life
he was a diplomat, a political writer, a playwright, a historian, a philosopher, and a musician. Born in
1469, he served his native city of Florence in several posts while it was a republic. Later he served as an
emissary, or ambassador of the government, and as general secretary to the chancery, or court. When
the Medici family seized power in Florence, however, Machiavelli found himself on the wrong side, and
in 1513 he was arrested and tortured.
After his imprisonment, he retired to his estate to write several works about power and politics,
including his most famous work: The Prince. In The Prince, Machiavelli expresses his opinions about how
a ruler should really act, as opposed to how churches or teachers profess that the ruler should behave. It
is considered the first text based on a type of harsh, practical approach to governing that advises rulers
about how to obtain and retain power, even as they pretend to be ruled by moral principles and self-
restraint. Most striking is its open admission that self-interest truly motivates most people, no matter
what ethical or moral systems suggest. The term Machiavellian has come to signify the kind of ruthless
scheming, manipulation, and deception that The Prince appears to advocate.
Directions: Read the two excerpts and answer the questions that follow.
“And you have to understand this, that a prince, especially a new one, cannot observe all those things
for which men are esteemed, being often forced, in order to maintain the state, to act contrary to
fidelity [or faith], friendship, humanity, and religion. Therefore, it is necessary for him to have a mind
ready to turn itself accordingly as the winds and variations of fortune force it, yet, as I have said
above, not to diverge from the good if he can avoid doing so, but, if compelled, then to know how to
set about it”.
Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince, 1532
“Because this is to be asserted in general of men, that they are ungrateful, fickle, false, cowardly,
covetous, and as long as you succeed they are yours entirely; they will offer you their blood, property,
life, and children, as is said above, when the need is far distant; but when it approaches they turn
against you. And that prince who, relying entirely on their promises, has neglected other precautions,
is ruined; because friendships that are obtained by payments, and not by greatness or nobility of
mind, may indeed be earned, but they are not secured, and in time of need cannot be relied upon;
and men have less scruple in offending one who is beloved than one who is feared, for love is
preserved by the link of obligation which, owing to the baseness of men, is broken at every
opportunity for their advantage; but fear preserves you by a dread of punishment which never fails”.
Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince, 1532
Analyzing Primary Sources
7. In your own words, explain what Machiavelli advises regarding normal moral ideas such as honesty,
trust, and faithfulness.
8. How does his estimate of human nature affect his position?
Making Generalizations
9. Machiavelli advises those in power that "fear preserves you by a dread of punishment which never
fails." What point is he trying to make?
10. Do you think modern democratic leaders follow Machiavelli's advice?
11. If you do, describe one. If not, explain why such a philosophy cannot work in a true democracy.
Constructing Arguments
Reread the last two sentences of the second excerpt. Many people find Machiavelli's advice about the
need to "have a mind ready to turn itself accordingly as the winds... of fortune force it" and the need to
"diverge from the good" in order to maintain the state to be refreshingly honest and accurate. Others
believe he is wrong to suggest that a ruler should ever "act contrary to faith, friendship, humanity, and
religion."
12. Choose one position and write a statement that expresses your beliefs about it.
13. In general, do you think people are ruled more successfully by fear, or by kindness and love? Explain
why you think as you do.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
1. According to Machiavelli, rulers must be willing to adopt any means necessary, including manipulation and deceit, to gain and maintain power. He emphasizes that they should prepare for the unpredictability of the people and situations they encounter, as relying solely on the loyalty of others is dangerous. Rulers must understand that friendships based solely on financial or superficial means are unreliable and can lead to ruin during critical times.
2. Machiavelli argues that it is safer to be feared than loved because people are generally ungrateful and fickle. He states that “if one of them has to be lacking, it is much safer to be feared than loved,” indicating that while being loved may be ideal, fear creates a more stable foundation for rulers since it prevents people from acting against them due to the fear of punishment.
3. Machiavelli describes the general nature of man as ungrateful, fickle, false, cowardly, and covetous. He observes that while people may show loyalty when it is convenient, they are quick to turn against a ruler in times of danger, reflecting a deep-seated self-interest that undermines the very foundations of trust and loyalty.
4. A prince should imitate both the fox and the lion. The lion represents strength but is susceptible to traps, whereas the fox symbolizes cunning and the ability to avoid danger. Machiavelli emphasizes the need for a ruler to embody both qualities: the strength to intimidate enemies (the lion) and the cleverness to recognize and evade traps (the fox).
5. Machiavelli states that a ruler must be careful about his appearance; he should seem merciful, trustworthy, upright, humane, and devout. This notion suggests that how a ruler is perceived by others is crucial to maintaining power. He argues that most people will not dare to challenge the dominant view of a ruler and that creating an ideal public image helps preserve authority.
6. Based on Machiavelli’s writings, one can infer that he is somewhat critical of the church and religion when it comes to political power. He acknowledges that a ruler may have to act contrary to moral and religious values to maintain control, suggesting that he views traditional moral ideals as obstacles in the pursuit of effective governance.
7. Machiavelli advises that rulers should not strictly adhere to normal moral ideas such as honesty, trust, and faithfulness if doing so could jeopardize their power. Instead, he suggests that rulers must be flexible and pragmatic, ready to adjust their moral compass based on circumstances to maintain the state.
8. Machiavelli's bleak estimate of human nature informs his position that rulers must not rely on others’ promises or goodwill. His understanding of human selfishness and treachery leads him to advocate for a form of governance that prioritizes the consolidation of power over moral integrity.
9. He suggests that fear preserves a ruler’s power through the anticipation of punishment, which is a more reliable means of control than love, which can be broken. By instilling fear, a ruler can deter opposition and maintain stability within their rule.
10. It is debatable whether modern democratic leaders follow Machiavelli's advice. Some might argue that they do when they employ strategic manipulation or compromise moral standards for political gain. Others might contend that genuine democracy diminishes the need for Machiavellian tactics in favor of transparency and accountability.
11. If modern democratic leaders were to follow Machiavelli's advice, they might justify actions that bend ethical principles to ensure electoral victory or appease influential lobbies. An example could be a politician who makes promises to secure votes, then later alters their stance due to political expediency.
12. In my view, I believe that Machiavelli's stance that rulers ought to diverge from moral ideals when necessary is troubling. Leaders should fundamentally strive to uphold values like honesty and integrity, recognizing that ethical governance will lead to stronger trust between citizens and their leaders, fostering a healthier political environment. Deviation from these principles can create a cycle of manipulation that ultimately undermines the legitimacy of governance.
13. I believe that people are generally ruled more successfully by kindness and love rather than fear. When leaders foster a sense of community, respect, and loyalty, they encourage cooperation and collaboration among their constituents. Fear might promote temporary compliance, but it can create resentment and rebellion in the long run. A kinder approach cultivates trust and voluntary loyalty, which are essential for sustainable governance.
2. Machiavelli argues that it is safer to be feared than loved because people are generally ungrateful and fickle. He states that “if one of them has to be lacking, it is much safer to be feared than loved,” indicating that while being loved may be ideal, fear creates a more stable foundation for rulers since it prevents people from acting against them due to the fear of punishment.
3. Machiavelli describes the general nature of man as ungrateful, fickle, false, cowardly, and covetous. He observes that while people may show loyalty when it is convenient, they are quick to turn against a ruler in times of danger, reflecting a deep-seated self-interest that undermines the very foundations of trust and loyalty.
4. A prince should imitate both the fox and the lion. The lion represents strength but is susceptible to traps, whereas the fox symbolizes cunning and the ability to avoid danger. Machiavelli emphasizes the need for a ruler to embody both qualities: the strength to intimidate enemies (the lion) and the cleverness to recognize and evade traps (the fox).
5. Machiavelli states that a ruler must be careful about his appearance; he should seem merciful, trustworthy, upright, humane, and devout. This notion suggests that how a ruler is perceived by others is crucial to maintaining power. He argues that most people will not dare to challenge the dominant view of a ruler and that creating an ideal public image helps preserve authority.
6. Based on Machiavelli’s writings, one can infer that he is somewhat critical of the church and religion when it comes to political power. He acknowledges that a ruler may have to act contrary to moral and religious values to maintain control, suggesting that he views traditional moral ideals as obstacles in the pursuit of effective governance.
7. Machiavelli advises that rulers should not strictly adhere to normal moral ideas such as honesty, trust, and faithfulness if doing so could jeopardize their power. Instead, he suggests that rulers must be flexible and pragmatic, ready to adjust their moral compass based on circumstances to maintain the state.
8. Machiavelli's bleak estimate of human nature informs his position that rulers must not rely on others’ promises or goodwill. His understanding of human selfishness and treachery leads him to advocate for a form of governance that prioritizes the consolidation of power over moral integrity.
9. He suggests that fear preserves a ruler’s power through the anticipation of punishment, which is a more reliable means of control than love, which can be broken. By instilling fear, a ruler can deter opposition and maintain stability within their rule.
10. It is debatable whether modern democratic leaders follow Machiavelli's advice. Some might argue that they do when they employ strategic manipulation or compromise moral standards for political gain. Others might contend that genuine democracy diminishes the need for Machiavellian tactics in favor of transparency and accountability.
11. If modern democratic leaders were to follow Machiavelli's advice, they might justify actions that bend ethical principles to ensure electoral victory or appease influential lobbies. An example could be a politician who makes promises to secure votes, then later alters their stance due to political expediency.
12. In my view, I believe that Machiavelli's stance that rulers ought to diverge from moral ideals when necessary is troubling. Leaders should fundamentally strive to uphold values like honesty and integrity, recognizing that ethical governance will lead to stronger trust between citizens and their leaders, fostering a healthier political environment. Deviation from these principles can create a cycle of manipulation that ultimately undermines the legitimacy of governance.
13. I believe that people are generally ruled more successfully by kindness and love rather than fear. When leaders foster a sense of community, respect, and loyalty, they encourage cooperation and collaboration among their constituents. Fear might promote temporary compliance, but it can create resentment and rebellion in the long run. A kinder approach cultivates trust and voluntary loyalty, which are essential for sustainable governance.