and many other countries may challenge the army believing that it would be a easy defeat.Machiavelli has another argument concerning those who become princes by evil means.# He believes that cruelty can also be used to benefit the prince but only in modesty. If a prince frequently relies on cruel acts then he will not live in power for long. Proper use of cruelty is only achieved when it is done out of the need for safety and when it is done swiftly as to make sure that the act is quickly forgotten, and the people can return to a feeling of safety.# His idea that cruelty should be swift is excellent, this way the citizens will feel more at ease with there prince, because if he were to drag out the atrocities then the people may feel the need to revolt to protect their personal freedoms and civil rights. Many people may think these are evil ideas, but it is completely practical, during Machiavellis era (and even today) a prince will always face a moment in this rule that he will have to act in a cruel manner, in no way is this statement cruel it is just a practical way of dealing with a inevitable situation. He also believes that benefits ought to be given little by little, so that the flavour of them may last longer.# As much as people may be discusted by this idea, the truth is that it is very bold. Everyone knows that politicians use gifts and benefits to there advantage, and it is an ideal way to keep the general population happy. Another idea that he considers is in what way princes should keep their word. Machiavelli believes that it is very praiseworthy for a prince to be considered trustworthy and not cunning, however this is not possible in real life.# A prince must know how to use both what is proper to a man and what is proper to a beastone without the other can not endure.# He must adopt that of a fox and that of a lion: for a lion is defenseless against snares, and a fox is defenseless against wolves# This is an...
