Introduction: With Machiavelli a new phase in the development of

political philosophy sets in. In fact, he was more of a practical

politician rather than a political philosopher. As his thought was
largely determined by the historical background of his lie and what
actually transpired before his eyes, it shall be desirable to have an
idea about his early life and the various influences which shaped his
ideas. Niccolo Machiavelli was born in Florence, (Italy) in 1469 in a
family with modest means. His father was a jurist. Machiavelli as a
child could not receive proper education and he studies the Latin
classics, especially on roman history under the guidance of his father.
As he grew young, he joined the government of Florence as the
secretary of chancery. In this new capacity he got a chance to handle
the departments of war and interior. Most of the diplomatic
correspondence also passed through him. But with the change of
power Machiavelli was not only obliged to leave the job but was
thrown in the prison on charm of conspiracy on account of his failure
to side with the new rulers. In 1513 Machiavelli produced his
masterpiece “the prince”. 8 years later he produced “Discourses”.
R.G. Gettle says “The chief difference between Machiavelli and the
writers who preceded him was his attitude towards religion and
morality”.
Views on ends and means: Niccolo Machiavelli was 15th century
Italian philosopher he had some unconventional beliefs. In his book
called The Prince, he introduced the idea that “the ends justify the
means”. According to Machiavelli, this theory suggests that almost
any action or behaviour is perfectly acceptable as long as it results in
the desired outcome. For instance, this unconventional belief would
support almost any kind of behaviour that is designed to create a
specific positive outcome for the person involved. This philosophy is
somewhat self-centred because it basically endorses selfish choices.
Originally, Machiavelli’s writings applied this philosophy to the basics
of life in a political setting. He stated quite clearly that it was basically
okay to do anything or say anything to get votes as long as the
person won the election. In other words, he supported the idea of
winning in politics at any and all costs. While he mostly was writing
about politicians this strange philosophy has since been extended
over the years to be applied to everyday life. People have taken this
philosophy and tried to make it fit within the context of any
situation.
View on Nationalism: Machiavelli expressed his views on
nationalism in the last chapter of his book “the prince” which is titled
“exhortation to liberate Italy from the barbarians”. Machiavelli feels
sure that the barbarians could not withstand the impact of the Italian
forces united under a new Prince. “This opportunity must not,
therefore, be allowed to pass, so that Italy may at length find her
liberator”. There are two reasons for the great attention which this
chapter has aroused. The dramatic appeal to nationalism seems most
strange in a stage of political development where nationalism, if it
plays any role at all, has certainly not an important part. And it is
particularly astonishing to find this reliance on popular enthusiasm in
Machiavelli; there is a striking difference between the emotional
idealism which pervades the national appeal of the last chapter of
“the prince” and the cold and realistic analysis of political forces
which forms the distinguishing feature of the rest of the work.
Although the full extent of the problem involved in Machiavelli’s
appeal to nationalism has been appreciated only in more recent
studies, the difference between the last chapter and the rest of the
book has been noticed ever since critical scholarship began to occupy
itself with the work.
View on human nature: Machiavelli expresses view about human
nature in his “the prince”. According to Machiavelli human beings
are selfish, wicked, degenerate, unscrupulous and opportunists. He
says that man is not social but anti-social and always tries to
promote his own interests. For the promotion of his interests, he can
resort to all types of methods. Every individual is interested in
keeping what he possesses and acquiring more. This inevitably leads
to struggle and conditions of anarchy. Men are also wicked because
they put their own interests above the collective interests of the
society and are even ready to sacrifice the collective interests to
promote their own interests. In fact, the love of novelty and change
are the basic nature of all men- rich as well as poor. Machiavelli says
that men lover their property more than their kiths and kins. A
person can more readily forgiver the murder of his father than the
confiscation of his patrimony. He also says that man also loves liberty
and wants to be left free to lead his life according to his own
inclination.
Views on the role of prince: Machiavelli dealt with the principles
which the prince should observe to maintain himself in power. Some
of the suggestions offered by Machiavelli to the prince are as follows:
The prince should crush all opposition to his authority with an iron
hand should not hesitate to make use of ruthless force. He should
enforce his will without bothering about the privations of his
subjects. As force is an expensive and insufficient method of
attaining the objective, Machiavelli says that a shrewd ruler should
also use methods of propaganda and religion to lure the people into
submission. He holds that a tactful use of these devices can obviate
the need of force. He wants the rulers to be both a fox and a lion.
The prince should try to take quick and firm decisions. Because
hesitation can prove very harmful. He would like the prince to act
promptly and make mistakes rather than lose initiative through delay
and uncertainty. A good prince should try to maintain peace and
plenty in the country so that the people can lead a comfortable and
contended life.
Conclusion: Machiavelli was a product of the age of prolific change
and of a period that marked a definite reaction against the authority
of the Pope and his preaching of spiritualism. he is known for
ushering the modern age by ridding politics of the vassalage of
religion. Machiavelli's methods were historical but he was a political
realist, more concerned with the actual working of government than
a theory of the state. He built his theories on the premise that men
are essentially wicked and selfish. According to him, state is the
highest form of human association and an indispensable instrument
for the promotion of human welfare. A successful ruler or 'Prince'
should be a perfect embodiment of shrewdness and self-control,
making full use of his virtues and vices. Two basic means of success
for a 'Prince' are judicious use of law and physical force. The ruler is
creator of law and of morality. He talks both of monarchies along
with showing his admiration for an expanded Roman Republic. His
theories were not developed systematically and are mainly in the
form of remarks. Each of his works reflects the truth but none of
them give a complete picture of his thoughts.