Machiavelli's "The Prince"

                Last week I talked about four theories on why Machiavelli wrote “The Prince”, so now I will talk about what he wrote in his book. I liked how he wrote this book since it is easy to read and understand though some of the things that he writes are a little disturbing. The first two chapters talk about what the book will cover and explains some things that the reader should know. The book then goes on to talk about how principalities are either new or mixed. The new ones are harder to maintain unless the prince sticks to the old laws. Machiavelli then gives some traits that a prince should have to gain and rule over his territories. The prince is supposed to be like a fox and appear trustworthy yet know how to deceive.

                Machiavelli also believed that it is better for a prince to gain power by virtue than to obtain it by fortune. The ones that obtain it by fortune will have a tougher time keeping a hold of it. Throughout this book he also gives hints on attacking and defending and how to obtain the people’s support. During class we talked about whether it is better to be loved or respected. We learned that both have advantages and disadvantages to them though people might be more loyal if they respect the prince, since those that only love the prince have nothing holding them to that love. There are many other things that Machiavelli tells princes to do in this book though I feel that I have covered the main ones, so it is here that I will leave you.