When reading Niccolo Machiavellis The Prince, one cant help but grasp Machiavellis
argument that morality and politics can not exist in the same forum. However, when
examining Machiavellis various concepts in depth, one can conclude that perhaps his
suggested violence and evil is fueled by a moral end of sorts. First and foremost, one must
have the understanding that this book is aimed solely at the Prince or Emperor with the
express purpose of aiding him in maintaining power. Therefore, it is essential to grasp his
concepts of fortune and virtue. These two contrary concepts reflect the manner in which a
Prince should govern while minimizing all chance and uncertainty. This kind of governing
demands violence to be taken, however this is only done for the strict purpose of
maintaining his throne, and generating both fear and admiration from his people. In all
cases of violence, Machiavelli limits the amount of violence that needs to be taken down to
the minimum, and most cases the victims of these acts are enemies of the people. Behind
the violence, the prince is essentially taking the role of the villain and assuming all “bad”
acts so that his people do not have to suffer and commit the acts themselves. In addition,
all the Prince asks for is to not threaten his power and to respect it. In the 16th Century,
this request is feeble compared to those of other hierarchical Monarchies. In the end,
Machiavellis Prince assumes all the burden of violence while leaving his noble people to
act as they feel accordingly without worry of their lively hood. This is Machiavellis
ultimate stroke of morality.
Before examining how the interaction of violence and politics lead to morality in the end,
it is important to analyze exactly what Machiavelli demands of his Prince. First and
foremost, Machiavelli harps upon the concept of fortune and virtue. By fortune, he means
that everything is left to chance, while nothing will guarantee that a certain event will
occur. Machiavelli writes that a “Great long standing Prince never rules with fortune.”
Through risk and chance, one leaves him open to failure; thus action should be withheld if
an element of chance is involved.
Machiavelli ties virtue very closely to that of prudence. He defines virtue as acting
exceptionally and draws a distinction between morality and virtue. In many respects
Machiavelli defines virtue by prudence. If a ruler is able to balance his violence, keep his
