ne can only make the conclusion that Machiavelli is wrong when he states that one only has to seem good, not be good. In order to govern, one has to gain the confidence and by manipulating and deceiving citizens, this is not done. Socrates, on the other hand, with his theory that seeming is bad, and being is good is correct. This is evident through the parable of the cave: those who remain in the cave never get to experience the beauty and wonder of the outside world. Machiavelli wishes to deprive his citizens of this, merely for one’s self interest. Socrates, avoiding the glory, creates a democratic society in which citizens may break free from the cave to experience what reality really is, and if they don’t have the wisdom to do this on their own, there are people who will guide them. It can only be concluded that seeming good, as Machiavelli advocates, is bad because it is essentially deceives the citizens. Additionally, when one seems, they are acting in the interest of only themselves. Being good, as Socrates promotes, is the better of the two, because when one is actually good, they will act in the interest of society as a whole, instead of merely their own selfish interests. It is a far better thing to emerge from the cave with Socrates, to see the light, to gain the knowledge, and the ability to share it with others. ...
