For centuries Machiavelli's reputation suffered and for his
approach tomorality 'Machiavellian' was used for describing Machiavelli as an'immoral' writer. In THE PRINCE,his approach is hard direct and cynical. 'He felt
strong sympathy forthe man of principle, capable of heroic self-sacrifice, but not for aman tormented by scruples. Machiavelli is further accused of adopting aduel standard. He excused of the powerful from committing vicious acts,whereas if those acts are committed by the common citizens he termsthem wrong. A ruler for the presentation of the state can have noregard for morality, faith or principles. For him and
justifies themeans. He approves of the cruel and deceitful actions of CaesarBorgias. However for the common citizen he pleads for
morality andfaith as well as loyality. 'End justifies the means' is not vicious, where one remembers thatMachiavelli justifies only those
means which are essential for thepreservation and extension of the state-power. For him this is thefirst condition of order and freedom. He admires a man, wicked orvirtuous, who can establish a strong empire with whatever means hesucceeds. but he
condemns a man who corrupts the state or weakens astrong state. For that reason he condemns Caesar Borgia where he helpedhis enemy Julius to be elected as a popoe, for he knew his hostilitycentury Italy was only a geographical expression. It was devided into anumber of small states. Pope has carved out a papal state within it.Foreign intervention had made the political scene dismal. Anarchy wasthe order of the day. Machiavelli has seen the strong nationalmonarchies in France, England and Spain bringing unity and peace inthose countries. He favours a strong tyrant to bring about a unitedItaly and free it from foreign intruders. So for this end Machiavelli defends a prince, single-minded, boldsubtle and unscrupulous. He may be wicked selfish may get power forhimself, but his crimes can be condoned for he can bring peace, unityand security to Italy. Machiavelli had seen deceit,treachery crueltyand corruption at high places in Church, states and Italy. So he wasaverse to virtue and morality or religion.
More summaries about the The Prince