Question

The Renaissance writer and diplomat Niccolo Machiavelli wrote that the "the end justifies the means."



What did he mean by this statement?


Subjects must always obey their rulers


A ruler must always follow the laws of God


Subjects have the right to rise up and overthrow a ruler who is unjust


A ruler may use trickery and even violence to get what they want

Answer 1

A ruler may use trickery and even violence to get what they want.

Machiavelli argued that rulers should be pragmatic and focus on maintaining power and stability, even if that requires deceit or harsh measures.