Themes

Power: In order to be able to maintain his position a prince must assert his power. This is due to the fact that "men change their rullers willingly, hoping to better themselves" (1).

"for in truth there is no safe way to retain them otherwise than by ruining them." (V,1) A ruler must not let the public control him, he must control them in order to reign.

Human Nature:

The Prince Chapters VII-VIII:

__Chapter VII__: Cnoncerning New Principalities Which are Acquired Either by the Arms of Others or by Good Fortune Those who become princes are either of noble birth or private citizens. Private citizens rely on good fortune and have little to no trouble rising to the top. The touble starts when you reach the top. Then there are those who are made princes and they are men that are prepared to hold onto the fortune that is thrust upon them. Those who depend on their own ability have a much easier time than those who had the good fortune of coming from noble birth having depended on others. Laying down a good, strong foundation is crucial for maintaingin power. Two examples: More examples:
 * 1) Francesco Sforza: he was a private citizen that rose up to become the Duke of Milan.
 * 2) Caesare Borgia:he was Duke Valentino and became a Duke by being of noble birth and inheriting the throne
 * 1) Crime
 * 2) People

__Chapter VIII__: Concerning Those who have Obstained a Principality by Wickedness Another way one might rise to the throne is by doing something "wicked." The first method, two examples: Ancient Modern Agathocles became the King of Syracuse, from being of a private, but low position. He later went into the military and climbed up his ranks to be Praeter of Syracuse. Then he planned to make himself the prince and take over by using violence. He assembled the people and senate of Syracuse then gave an order to his men to kill them. Once that was done he took over and became King of Syracuse. Agothocles was able to defend Syracuse against the Carthaginians and raised the seige of Syracuse, "Yet it cannot be called talent to slay fellow citizens, to decieve friends, to be without faith, without mercy, without religion; such methods may gain an empire, but not glory." (Machiavelli 3)