The Art of War/The Prince

1. Civilian Virtue and Military Prowess Are Inseparable

In all the arts that are established in a society for the sake of the common good of men, all those institutions created to (make people) live in fear of the laws and of God would be in vain, if their defense had not been provided for.

Intertwined destinies. Machiavelli argues that a society's moral and legal structures are futile without a strong military to defend them. The strength of a nation lies not only in its laws and piety but also in its ability to protect itself from external threats.

Military as guardian. The military is not merely a tool of war but a vital component of a well-ordered society. It safeguards the values and institutions that enable citizens to live in peace and security. A strong military ensures the survival and prosperity of the state.

Virtue in arms. The best soldiers are those who embody the virtues of loyalty, peacefulness, and fear of God. These qualities are essential for maintaining discipline and ensuring that the military serves the interests of the state rather than its own ambitions.

2. Professional Armies Breed Corruption and Instability

For he who practices it will never be judged to be good, as to gain some usefulness from it at any time he must be rapacious, deceitful, violent, and have many qualities, which of necessity, do not make him good.

Inherent flaws. Machiavelli condemns professional armies, arguing that they are inherently prone to corruption and disloyalty. Soldiers who fight for pay rather than patriotism are more likely to prioritize their own interests over those of the state.

Motives matter. Professional soldiers are driven by the desire for wealth and power, leading them to engage in rapacious and deceitful behavior. They are more likely to turn against their employers or exploit the civilian population for personal gain.

Historical examples. Machiavelli cites numerous examples of mercenary armies that have betrayed their employers or plunged states into chaos. These include the Carthaginian soldiers who revolted after the First Punic War and Francesco Sforza, who seized control of Milan after being hired to defend it.

3. National Armies Are the Bedrock of a Secure State

Without national arms no Princedom is safe, but on the contrary is wholly dependent on Fortune, being without the strength that could defend it in adversity.

Citizen soldiers. Machiavelli advocates for the creation of national armies composed of citizens who are motivated by patriotism and a sense of civic duty. These soldiers are more likely to be loyal and disciplined than mercenaries.

Shared fate. A national army is deeply invested in the well-being of the state, as its members are defending their own homes, families, and property. This shared stake creates a powerful bond between the military and the civilian population.

Examples of success. Machiavelli points to Rome and Sparta as examples of states that achieved greatness through the strength of their national armies. These states were able to maintain their freedom and independence for centuries because they relied on their own citizens for defense.

4. Imitation of the Ancients Requires Adaptation, Not Blind Replication

How much better would they have done (it is said with peace to everyone) to seek to imitate the ancients in the strong and rugged things, not in the soft and delicate, and in the things they did under the sun, not in the shadows, to adopt the honest and perfect ways of antiquity, not the false and corrupt.

Context is key. Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of studying and emulating the military practices of the ancient Romans and Greeks. However, he cautions against blindly copying their methods without considering the specific circumstances of the present day.

Adaptation is essential. The world has changed since the time of the ancients, and military technology and tactics have evolved. Rulers must adapt the lessons of the past to the realities of the present in order to be successful.

Focus on principles. The key is to understand the underlying principles that guided the actions of the ancients and apply those principles to new situations. This requires a deep understanding of both military history and contemporary affairs.

5. A Prince's Primary Duty Is the Art of War

A Prince, therefore, should have no care or thought but for war, and for the regulations and training it requires, and should apply himself exclusively to this as his peculiar province; for war is the sole art looked for in one who rules.

War as the foundation. Machiavelli asserts that a prince's primary responsibility is to master the art of war. This is not merely a matter of personal ambition but a fundamental requirement for maintaining power and ensuring the security of the state.

Constant vigilance. A prince must be constantly engaged in military pursuits, even in times of peace. This includes training his soldiers, studying military history, and familiarizing himself with the terrain of his own territory and that of his potential enemies.

Consequences of neglect. Princes who neglect military affairs are likely to lose their states, as they will be unable to defend themselves against external threats or internal rebellions. Military prowess is the surest path to acquiring and maintaining power.

6. Cruelty, When Necessary, Must Be Swift and Decisive

Injuries, therefore, should be inflicted all at once, that their ill savour being less lasting may the less offend; whereas, benefits should be conferred little by little, that so they may be more fully relished.

Strategic cruelty. Machiavelli acknowledges that cruelty is sometimes necessary for a prince to maintain control, particularly in new states. However, he argues that cruelty should be used sparingly and strategically.

Swift and decisive action. Cruel acts should be committed quickly and decisively, so that their impact is immediate and lasting. This minimizes the risk of prolonged resentment and rebellion.

Benefits conferred gradually. In contrast, benefits should be conferred gradually, so that they are more fully appreciated by the recipients. This creates a sense of gratitude and loyalty that strengthens the prince's position.

7. Fortune Favors the Bold, but Prudence Must Guide Them

I am well persuaded, that it is better to be impetuous than cautious. For Fortune is a woman who to be kept under must be beaten and roughly handled; and we see that she suffers herself to be more readily mastered by those who so treat her than by those who are more timid in their approaches.

Balancing act. Machiavelli recognizes the role of fortune in human affairs but insists that it is not all-powerful. While fortune can be unpredictable, rulers can mitigate its effects through prudence and adaptability.

Seizing opportunities. Boldness and impetuosity are often necessary for seizing opportunities and achieving great things. However, these qualities must be tempered by prudence and a careful assessment of the risks involved.

Adapting to change. The most successful rulers are those who can adapt their methods to the changing circumstances of fortune. This requires a willingness to abandon old strategies and embrace new ones when necessary.

8. The Strength of a Prince Lies in the Loyalty of His People

He who becomes a Prince through the favour of the people should always keep on good terms with them; which it is easy for him to do, since all they ask is not to be oppressed.

Popular support. Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of maintaining the goodwill of the people. A prince who is loved and respected by his subjects is less likely to face internal threats or conspiracies.

Avoiding oppression. The key to winning the people's favor is to avoid oppressing them. A prince should protect their property, honor, and freedom, and strive to create a just and equitable society.

Building trust. A prince who earns the trust and affection of his people will have a strong foundation for his rule. He can rely on their support in times of crisis and count on their loyalty in the face of adversity.

9. The Art of Deception Is a Necessary Tool for Rulers

Every one understands how praiseworthy it is in a Prince to keep faith, and to live uprightly and not craftily. Nevertheless, we see from what has taken place in our own days that Princes who have set little store by their word, but have known how to overreach men by their cunning, have accomplished great thing, and in the end got the better of those who trusted to honest dealing.

Appearance vs. reality. Machiavelli argues that it is not always possible for a prince to be virtuous in the traditional sense. In order to maintain power, he must sometimes be willing to deceive, manipulate, and even betray others.

Mastering the art of deception. A prince should be skilled at simulating virtue and concealing his true intentions. He must be able to appear merciful, faithful, humane, religious, and upright, even when he is acting in opposition to these qualities.

Focus on results. The ultimate goal of a prince is to establish and maintain his authority. If he succeeds in this, the means he uses will always be judged honorable and approved by the majority of people.

10. The Key to Victory Lies in Understanding the Terrain and the Enemy

A Prince, therefore, ought never to allow his attention to be diverted from warlike pursuits, and should occupy himself with them even more in peace than in war. This he can do in two ways, by practice or by study.

Knowledge is power. Machiavelli stresses the importance of a prince having a deep understanding of both the terrain and the enemy. This knowledge is essential for making sound strategic decisions and achieving victory in battle.

Practical experience. A prince should be constantly engaged in activities that enhance his knowledge of the land, such as hunting and surveying. He should also study the history of warfare and analyze the successes and failures of past commanders.

Understanding the enemy. A prince must also strive to understand the strengths and weaknesses of his enemies. This includes their military capabilities, their political alliances, and their cultural values.

11. Good Laws and Good Arms are the Foundations of a State

Now the main foundations of all States, whether new, old, or mixed, are good laws and good arms.

The bedrock of power. Machiavelli concludes that the stability and prosperity of any state depend on two essential elements: good laws and good arms. These two foundations are inextricably linked, as good laws cannot be enforced without a strong military, and a strong military cannot be sustained without a just and well-ordered society.

Virtuous cycle. Good laws promote civic virtue and encourage citizens to contribute to the common good. Good arms provide security and protect the state from external threats. Together, these two elements create a virtuous cycle that strengthens the state and ensures its long-term survival.

The ultimate goal. The ultimate goal of a ruler is to create a state that is both just and powerful. This requires a delicate balance between the pursuit of virtue and the exercise of force.

Last updated: April 15, 2025