iscussing in this quotation. People, in general, know what is right and what is wrong, but how they decide to live their life is the difference between how one lives and how one ought to live. If everyone lived life the way they thought it ought to be lived, then there would be no gap or difference. But since most people stray away from their morals slightly or greatly, there is a difference, and that difference is what Machiavelli is discussing. Machiavelli is cynical, and the excerpts analyzed depict his attitude towards human nature very accurately (as being cynical). Machiavelli, although a cynic, is also a truist and a realist. His description about life and how to live is very accurate even in the era of the 21st century. Machiavelli, even in his time, knew that lying was ok under certain circumstances to preserve society. He supports all of his claims with facts and examples. He is an incredible theorist and his excerpts reflect the person he is and what he believes. ...
