Niccolo Machiavelli: The Prince [quotes], 1513
Niccolo Machiavelli was a diplomat in the pay of the Republic of Florence. He wrote The Prince in 1513 after the overthrow of the
Republic forced him into exile. It is widely regarded as one of the basic texts of Western political science, and represents a basic
change in the attitude and image of government. The big question Machiavelli raised in his book was, “is it better for a prince to be
loved by his people or feared by his people” in order to be most effective?
Directions: Read each of the quotes below from The Prince. Each of the following are suggestions Machiavelli gave on how to
maintain control in one’s own government. Rewrite his advice in your own words in the corresponding spaces provided.
Quote
“A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his
promise.”
“Before all else, be armed.”
“Hatred is gained as much by good works as by evil.”
“It is necessary for him who lays out a state and arranges
laws for it to presuppose that all men are evil and that
they are always going to act according to the wickedness
of their spirits whenever they have free scope.”
“Men are so simple and so much inclined to obey
immediate needs that a deceiver will never lack victims for
his deceptions.”
“The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler
is to look at the men he has around him.”
“It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles.”
“One change always leaves the way open for the
establishment of others.”
“There is no avoiding war; it can only be postponed to the
advantage of others.”
“Whoever conquers a free town and does not demolish it
commits a great error and may expect to be ruined
himself.”
“Whosoever desires constant success must change his
conduct with the times.”
“Benefits should be conferred gradually; and in that way
they will taste better.”
“Princes and governments are far more dangerous than
other elements within society.”
Meaning
(in your own words)
Directions: Answer the following questions in the space provided. Be sure to provide explanations in order to secure all
of your points.
1. In the end, Machiavelli argues that a leader should be both loved and feared, but that if you have to pick one,
pick fear. Explain what your position is on this. Feel free to use personal experiences or observations from the
world to develop your response.
2. Do you think Machiavelli’s ‘realistic’ advice to aspiring leaders is on the money? What particular advice do you
find good or bad? Explain.
3. How much of the Prince is relevant to contemporary society in an age when monarchies no longer are the
primary form of government? Provide examples in your explanation.