Khoa, Deen, Hunter, Nikki, Kevin

Ethics &

Morals

CultureDeal Swiftly

Government

Territory

Persuasion

Fortune Rank

Military

•Reputation

Generosity and MercyRespect

Alliances

Falling into Good Fortune

CultureNow I say that those dominions which, when acquired, are added to an ancient state by him who acquires them, are either of the same country and language, or they are not, When they are it is easier to hold them, especially when they have not been accustomed to self-government…if he wishes to hold them…that neither their laws nor their taxes are altered, so that in a very short time they will become entirely one body.  But when states are acquired in a country differing in language, customs, or laws, there are difficulties, and good fortune and great energy are needed to hold them, and one of the greatest and most real helps would be that he who has acquired them should go and reside there.

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Deal Swiftly

Because the Romans did in these instances what all prudent princes ought to do, who have to regard not only present troubles, but also future ones, for which they must prepare with every energy, because when foreseen, it is easy to remedy them; but if you wait until they approach, the medicine is no longer in time because the malady has become incurable

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2 Forms of Governance

I answer that the principalities of which one has record are found to be governed in two different ways; either by a prince, with a body of servants, who assist him to govern the kingdom as ministers by his favor and permission; or by a prince and barons, who hold that dignity by antiquity of blood and not by the grace of the prince

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How to Run an Acquired Territory

Whenever those states which have been acquired as stated have been accustomed to live under their own laws and in freedom, there are three course for those who wish to hold them: first is to ruin them, the next is to reside there in person, the third is to permit them to live under their own laws…which will keep it friendly to you…therefore he who would keep a city accustomed to freedom will hold it more easily by the means of its own citizens than in any other way.

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Persuasion

It is easy to persuade them, it is difficult to fix them in that persuasion.

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Falling into good fortune

Those who solely by good fortune become princes from being private citizens have little trouble in rising, but much in keeping atop; they have not any difficulties on the way up, because they fly, but they have many when they reach the summit.

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Ethics and Morals Being established in that position, and having deliberately resolved to make himself prince and to seize by violence, without obligation to others, that which had been conceded to him by assent…

It cannot be called talent to slay fellow-citizens, to deceive friends, to be without faith, without mercy, without religion; such methods may gain empire, but not glory.

 

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Rise through the ranks

A leading citizen becomes the prince of his country…this may be called a civil principality; nor is genius or fortune altogether necessary to attain to it, but rather a happy shrewdness.  

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Defense and militaryThe two most essential foundations for any state are sound laws and strong military forces. As long as the city is properly defended and has enough supplies, a wise prince can withstand any siege.Machiavelli had little confidence in the use of mercenaries. He felt they were expensive and unreliable in the face of adversity. There loyalties are to themselves and their next paycheck. He also warned against the use of another’s forces. Their loyalties are tied to another leader, and expose a Prince’s true position to external forces.The main concern for a prince should be war, or the preparation thereof. Through war a hereditary prince maintains his power or a private citizen rises to power.

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ReputationSince there are many possible qualities that a prince can be said to possess, he must not be overly concerned about having all the good ones. Also, a prince may be perceived to be merciful, faithful, humane, frank, and religious, but he should only seem to have these qualities. A prince cannot truly have these qualities because at times it is necessary to act against them. Although a bad reputation should be avoided, this is not crucial in maintaining power. The only ethic that matters is one that is beneficial to the prince in dealing with the concerns of his state.

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Generosity and Mercy

Machiavelli felt generosity and mercy has their roles in a Prince’s rule, but they often only solve short term problems. Generosity can fester greed, and mercy can be seen as a sign of weakness.

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Respect and avoidance of nobles’ hatred

Machiavelli believed most men will remain content if they are not denied their property. A Prince should feel secure with content nobles and the satisfaction of the people.

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AlliancesRegarding two warring states, it is always wiser to choose a side, rather than to be neutral. Machiavelli then provides the following reasons why:If your allies win, you benefit whether or not you have more power than they have. If you are more powerful, then your allies are under your command; if your allies are stronger, they will always feel a certain obligation to you for your help. If your side loses, you still have an ally in the loser.

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Fortune

Machiavelli felt fortune is only half of a the equation for a leader’s rise and fame. He also felt a lack of fortune could be overcome by great ability. Without great ability a Prince who rose by fortune will quickly fall.

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Additional Resources

All pictures are provided by GOOGLE Image

Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Prince

Essay Questions

What are a few of the dominant topics Machiavelli discusses in The Prince? How do these relate to you?

What are some of the ethical issues in The Prince and how do these conflict or agree with your future intentions?