In Niccolo Machiavellis "The Morals of a Prince" (1513), the author declares that to gain and maintain political power, a prince must learn "how not to be good, and use that knowledge or refrain, from using it, as necessity requires"(Par.1). By discussing three qualities that "bring [Princes] either praise or blame..." Machiavelli directs princes not to be to generous with his own money, it's better to be feared then loved, and to keep their word unless it benefits them. In order to prove that by using his guidelines princes will be successful, the author uses examples from history, such as Julius Caesar, Hannibal, and Alexander the 6th. Machiavelli, addressing Guiliano de Medici, uses a assertive tone to create a handbook for a future prosperous monarch of Italy.
Notes
Liberality and stinginess - Not to be too generous with his own money
cruelty and clemency - Better to be feared then loved
how princes should keep their word - Keep their word unless it benefits them
