Machiavelli’s View of Humans

In The Prince Niccolo Machiavelli presents a view of governing a

state that is drastically different from that of humanists of his time.

Machiavelli believes the ruling Prince should be the sole authority

determining 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.1 His understanding of

human nature was a complete contradiction of what humanists believed and

taught. Machiavelli strongly promoted a secular society and felt

morality was not necessary but in fact stood in the way of an

effectively governed principality.2 Though in come cases Machiavelli's

suggestions seem harsh and immoral one must remember that these views

were derived out of concern Italy's unstable political condition.3

Though humanists of Machiavelli's time believed that an individual

had much to offer to the well being of the state, Machiavelli was quick

to mock human nature. Humanists believed that "An individual only

'grows to maturity- both intellectually and morally- through

participation' in the life of the state."4 Machiavelli generally

distrusted citizens, stating that "...in time of adversity, when the

state is in need of it's citizens there are few to be found."5

Machiavelli further goes on to question the loyalty of the citizens and

advises the Prince that "...because men a wretched creatures who would

not keep their word to you, you need keep your word to them."6 However,

Machiavelli did not feel that a Prince should mistreat the citizens.

This suggestion once again 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 bey the citizens within his own

principality. He makes the generalization that men are, "...ungrateful,

fickle, liars, and deceivers, they shun danger and are greedy for

profit; while you treat them well they are yours."7 He characterizes

men as being self centered and not willing to act in the best interest

of the state,"[and when the prince] is in danger they turn against

[him]."8 Machiavelli reinforces the prince's need to be feared by

stating:

Men worry less about doing an injury to one who makes himself loved

than to one who makes himself feared. The bond of love is one which

men, wretched creatures they are, break when it is to their advantage to

do so; but fear is strengthened by a dread of punishment which is always

effective.9

In order to win honor, Machaivelli suggests that a prince must be

readily willing to deceive the citizens. One way is to "...show his

esteem for talent actively encouraging the able and honouring those who

excel in their professions...so that they can go peaceably about their

business."10 By encouraging citizens to excel at their professions he

would also be encouraging them to "...increase the prosperity of the

their state."11 These measures, though carried out in deception, would

bring the prince honor and trust amongst the citizens, especially those

who were in the best positions to oppose him.

Machiavelli