ople that he will be ruling. “As [some] states [when] acquired are used to living by their own laws and in freedom, [one method] of holding onto them is to got there in person to live” (Machiavelli 5). Next, he encourages the prince to think like Charles VII who “recognized the necessity of arming his own men” (Machiavelli 13). In fact, if “he has found them unarmed he should always arm them” (Machiavelli 20). He should not build a fortress. The best fortress that exists is not the physical fortress at all, it is “not to be hated by the people” because no fortress can save a prince if he is hated (Machiavelli 20). This is an ironic request considering that the above recommendations would most likely make a prince hated and provide the citizens with a way to take out their aggressions on the prince. Therefore, by following previous recommendations in The Prince, the prince would already have made himself hated, and without a fortress, would leave himself open to attack. The prince would be living without protection, among a bunch of angry, armed citizens. This is definitely a recipe for disaster. In the dedication of The Prince, Machiavelli only seems to be supporting Lorenzo. But, can he be trusted? In Chapter 23, Machiavelli himself states that it is very harmful to trust those who flatter you, which is exactly what he is doing to Lorenzo. In truth, Machiavelli only seems to support Lorenzo. When one delves deeper into The Prince, we see that Machiavelli’s ultimate goal was for Lorenzo to be killed. After having examined both sides of the question, is it better to remain in the cave with Machiavelli or see the light with Socrates? The Republic which Socrates advocates is a much more democratic society. When compared to a society dictated by Machiavellian political theory, the Republic would be a more pleasant living environment, more just and less manipulative. The ...
