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Machiavelli s view on human nature is that basically the worst of people is to be expected rather than the best. Throughout his book The Prince, he points out certain aspects of this behavior. There are specifically two quotations I feel best describe his cynical attitude. One quote is For a prince must have two fears: one, internal, concerning his subjects; the other, external, concerning foreign powers. It is generally concerned with one aspect of human nature, which is fear deriving from expecting the worst from people. Machiavelli indicates two fears.
An internal and an external fear. The internal fear deals with his troop. If the relationship between him and his subjects is good, all will be stable. Yet, the concern about conspiracy takes place.
A prince must always keep in mind that though all may seem well, there may in fact be an attempt against him. This is expecting the most bad from people. There is no true trust in them. They have to maintain a balance amongst themselves because of a possible betrayal. It will always have the prince alert and less likely to have a downfall. the same goes for foreign powers and conspiracies.
If there were no bad expectation, there would be no fear in the first place. No worries at all because everything would be good. The second quote is, And therefore, it is necessary that he have a mind ready to turn itself according to the way the winds of Fortune and the chang ability of affairs require him. It stresses the changing personality that the prince must have. He must be unpredictable and therefore put up some sort of act. It states that he must have a mind ready to turn itself.
Why? Again expecting the worst from people. He must train himself to adapt to any change. Most of the time he should seem good, but whenever necessary, he must know evil ways. it is necessary to know how to disguise this nature well and to be a great hypocrite and a liar. The prince carries a false front because he never knows when someone will deceive him.
If a prince is generous, the people will take advantage of him instead. Therefore he must always stay generous and then he will eventually lose power. The people can basically walk all over him. Yet, the prince may become miserly when necessary and that people will respect. He is showing control over a situation.
Machiavelli cynical attitude shows a primary cause of fear and distrust in others. This causes the prince to always have to be wary of his ambiance. Having to keep certain relationships with those around him. He must portray a good image, but know how to do the opposite. This goes for every type of behavior he displays. Having distrust in others keeps the prince in control.
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Research essay sample on Foreign Powers Human Nature
