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The Prince is essentially a step-by-step manual of how to seize, run, and maintain control of a country. ... In the outline of each type of principality, Machiavelli explains the adjustments the prince must make in order to control power. ... Although he only briefly touches on the positives and negatives of mercenary, auxiliary, and native troops, Machiavelli makes clear that the only skill a prince truly needs to master is the art of war; only then may you gain the respect of your soldiers and your people. He says that in order to do this, the prince must have a keen sense of geography, and read history in order to study the successes and failures of past actions of former rulers.
The focus of the manual shifts to the practical, proper conduct of the prince, in which Machiavelli points out the things that award a prince praise or condemnation. ... He states that a prince must maintain the reputation of virtue and honesty, but in reality be deceitful in order to place himself at the advantage. ... But, if the prince cannot avoid hatred by the people, it is important that he pander to the largest party, whether it be the elite, his soldiers, or the people.
Approximate Word count = 1021
Approximate Pages = 4.1
(250 words per page double spaced)
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