The Prince What is Machiavelli's view of human nature? While reading The Prince, I have come to a conclusion that Machiavelli demonstrates a view of governing a state that is so different from that of humanists of his time thought. The humanists of Machiavelli's time believed that an individual had a lot to offer to the well being of the state and should be able to help in whatever way necessary. Humanists also believed that …showed first 75 words of 372 total…

…showed last 75 words of 372 total…the benefit of the prince, in helping him maintain power rather than to serve to the well being of the citizens. He goes on to state that a man who wants to act virtuously in every way necessarily comes to grief among those who are not ethical. Therefore, if a prince wants to maintain his rule he must learn not to be so admirable, and to make use of this or not according to need.