11/17 The Prince #12A

Human Nature
In the Prince, Machiavelli describes the guidelines that a leader should ascribe to himself. Almost all of these tips pertain to how the "the prince" should act in relation to his people. In his writings, Machiavelli's view on human nature and people in general are seen. To him, humans as purely political, emotional creatures. His view places no faith in man, save for his ideal prince. Machiavelli even says, "For men in general judge more by their eyes than by their hands; everybody is fitted to see, few to understand." While his assumptions about man are seen often in reality often, he places too many expectations in his prince considering his low opinion of everyone else. He writes that people are flighty, unfaithful, and somewhat stupid. Yet, he expects the prince to be and achieve number of extremely difficult to impossible things. His view of man requires impossible acts to be the perfect leader. While his view of man is very pessimistic and somewhat insulting, it is true at many times. Therefore, to have a realistic version of his new government, Machiavelli should have changed his high expectations.

Virtues
Machiavelli makes several great points about that type of qualities a prince should have. For example, when discussing on rather it is better to be a loved ruler or a feared one, Machiavelli supports a feared leader. His explanation makes sense, a feared leader has more control and can make a better country (and so is in the end loved). And when discussing whether the prince should deal with his subjects through politics or violence, Machiavelli suggest politics. However, he add that it will be necessary to use violence and trickery at times, "Hence a prince must know perfectly how to act like a beast and like a man." The author made several points like that are reasonable. However, the thought of one man being able to balance out all these traits and perform them in the manner that Machiavelli prescribes is near impossible. He expects his prince to be perfect, yet no man is perfect. Therefore, no man would be able to posses all the qualities Machiavelli writes about. While "The Prince" is a good example, no leader would be able to do everything written in it.