The+Prince+-+Themes+and+Topics

What themes does Machiavelli address? What about them? What topics / main ideas does he cover? What about them?

1. One of the themes Michiavelli addresses is the theme of Free Will. Machiavelli talks about how much free will determines the success of a ruler. He says that fortune controls half of human actions while the other half is controlled by free will. (mh 8/12) 2. Another theme is human nature. Machiavelli says that people are generally selfish. When times are good people can be trustworthy, but when the bad times come people turn greedy and deceitful. People admire qualities such as honor and courage but do not show these qualities in themselves. (mh 8/12) 3. Michiaevelli addresses the theme of Arms. He spends some pages on military forces. The princes should be well armed and a good warrior. (ah 8/16) 4. One topic that Machiavelli emphasizes in all his ideas is deceit (or the ends justify the means). He repeats that you can do whatever you want. Just make sure that when people look at you, you are doing excellent works. Make sure that whenever people see you, you are behaving. But if you need to do dirty work, go ahead and do it as long as no one sees. (ro 8/19) 5. Machiavelli believes that all men are naturally evil, unless there is some outside force that makes them become good. (ry 8/20)