Machiavelli Human Nature

Machiavelli holds a negative view of the human nature, especially as subjects of a ruler, that describes them as self-interested, selfish, deceitful, and profit-driven during . He believes that men’s loyalty and trust can be lost of won and their goodwill is never absolute. He says, “…in general of men, that they are ungrateful, fickle, false, cowardly, covetous, and as long as you succeed they are yours entirely; they will offer you their blood, property, life, and children, as is said above, when the need is far distant; but when it approaches they turn against you.”( Chapter XVII). The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy discusses the reason behind Machiavelli’s stand on human nature as an explanation of excluding authority and legitimacy from political decision-making, the demoralization of authority to ensure ruler’s ability to acquire and maintain his power. Machiavelli even goes on to advise rulers not to trust mercenary captions because they are ambitious to their own greatness by oppressing their rulers. Machiavelli believed that princes should acquire a range of qualities to effectively exercise their power over their subjects. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy further discusses these traits as the ability of the prince to change his act in good manner to evil and back to good again, if situation dictates such behavior. While he acknowledged the need for good laws and good arms, he focused his advice on good arms as fear ensures the control of the state.