ENG 2800

The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli

In this text, Machiavelli describes several attributes, actions, and qualities a prince must take in order to have a successful reign. In my understanding, a ‘good’ prince will find the proper balance between all aspects of life- for example a prince is to be loved but not feared. Naturally, we are all humans inclined to the have the same flaws within humanity, but what does not make a prince an ordinary person but a ruler of people, is his avoidance of falling into these flaws so he will not receive a bad name. Although a prince is only human, and not a god, in my personal opinion he is the master of deception. A prince does not need to be the ideal citizen, but just needs to appear as one, as well as be able to adapt to appear as something else if times change and require it. Many do not overcome their flaws as a person, not even a prince but a prince has mastered the art of illusion almost in a way that he is already ‘good’. Hence, it is why Machiavelli basically saying ‘you are either a prince or becoming one.’

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