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.......
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