The Qualities of the Prince

5 Pages 1236 Words

Past and Present Analysis of Views on Human Nature
In his work, “The Qualities of the Prince”, Machiavelli shares his views on the key requirements for leadership. He believes that in order to effectively continue an esteemed status of leadership, there are necessary qualities that one must personify. Although these qualities may not generally be accepted in society as fair or even moral, Machiavelli maintains that a reputable leader is efficient in battle, superior in mentality, and effective in manipulation. He also states that although a leader may not actually possess these characteristics, it is important to appear to the rest of the inhabitants of the empire as possessing them because, in the writer’s judgment, most of the populace cannot achieve greatness and therefore must be led. Machiavelli’s overall view of human nature is that while a leader will be strong, wise, and wealthy, most other people are weak, naïve, and envious.
Machiavelli believes most people by nature are weak. He probes even further into this theory to show that because of this inherent weakness in the general population, a leader should constantly strive to develop strategies that will utilize the weaknesses of the many to increase his strength and ability to remain in power. Machiavelli places a high importance on a leader’s competence in mastering all facets of fighting against opposition and being victorious in war. He claims that the first way for a leader to gain power is to be “well versed” in all aspects of war (Machiavelli, 1513, p. 38). Machiavelli believes that as a leader’s expertise in oppressing the masses expands, so does his power. Skill on the part of the leader, or lack thereof on the part of the people proves to be an issue of strength or weakness.
In addition to being weak, Machiavelli believes most people by nature are naïve, basic minded individuals who are easily influenced and will believe all of what they see. ...