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MACHIAVELLI'S VIEW OF HUMAN NATURE
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.
Famous posthumous portrait of Niccolò Machiavelli...
English: Tomb of Niccolò Machiavelli in the Basil...
Santi di Tito’s famous portrait of Niccolò Mach...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,