Help w/ Machiavelli's "THE PRINCE"?

Question

Help w/ Machiavelli's THE PRINCE?
I need some help w/ these questions...

- What were Machiavelli's three rules of thumb for leaders?

-What was the theme of Machiavelli's "The Prince"?

-According to Machiavelli, if a prince wanted to play the political game successfully, what much he be prepared to do?

-How could a prince be considered a political artist?

-Many contemporary political scientists refer to Machiavelli's name as a synonym for evil. How accurate do you feel that assessment is?

Answer 1

sparknotes.com

have fun...

Answer 2

Hmm...I'm reading it now here's what I can tell you...

Theme: The end justifies the means

Playing the political game successfully...hmm that sounds like the first question but Machiavelli said when you take over a country you have to kill the former leader and their families so they won't rise up against you again.

Also, a ruler must live in the conquered territory to quickly put an end to conlicts. If he's not there, then by the time he learns about it, it will be too late.

When you take over a territory you shouldn't change the country's customs, culture, or taxes. Life should continue as it always was, because people hate change.

It's better to be feared than loved, but both is most desirable.

There's more but that's all I can think of off the top of my head.

As far as being evil, I don't agree with it. Machiavelli had a positive view of human nature. He said when a man becomes a ruler, he has to learn to become cruel. Killing those who oppose him is hard, but essential to establish order.

Good luck, hope this helped. Definitely check out sparknotes and wikipedia

Answer 3

I studied the book long time ago when I was in college. I am sorry I don't remember much but there is one thing from this book that I cannot forget: "Might is right." I am not sure whether the idea is moral or ethical but I am afraid I have to admit that the world works this way!